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SalaryTHE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.
Please remember to attach the required documents, Cover Letter and Resume. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a resume. This position closes at 11: 59 pm Mountain time on April 4th, 2024. You must apply through the State of Montana Career Site.
Special Information:
A working knowledge of fisheries science and management principles, techniques and methods of fish sampling, electrofishing and water safety, aquatic and biological research methods and study design, conservation genetics, stream mechanics and habitat management are all important job qualifications. Other important considerations include working knowledge of statistical analysis and theory and associated computer and software use, skills in writing and reporting, and speaking and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups and agencies. A combination of excellent work habits, technical ability, applied knowledge and leadership/people skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position.
This position requires good health and physical condition. At times, this is a physically demanding job involving backpack and mobile-electrode electrofishing in small streams to large rivers, hiking into and sampling remote lakes or streams, and operating and working from various jet, propeller and manually powered watercraft on flowing and flat waters. The incumbent must have the ability and willingness to work in and around water in adverse and hazardous conditions, including inclement weather. The work schedule is sometimes variable, requiring work outside of normal business days and hours and may involve overnight stays in remote field locations for multiple days. This position involves eradication of undesirable fish populations through application of piscicides. The successful applicant is expected to become a licensed piscicide applicator (Department of Agriculture and American Fisheries Certified).
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Great Falls is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of north central Montana. Also known as the Electric City, Great Falls is Montana's third most populous city home to 60,000 people and is the county seat of Cascade County.
A typical annual schedule for this position is as follows:
January-February: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination and Planning for future WCT projects.
March-May: Genetic sample collection, habitat surveys.
June: Nonnative fish removal, habitat surveys.
July: Genetic sample collection, eDNA collection, habitat surveys.
August: Nonnative fish removals, eDNA collection, WCT population estimates, genetic sample collections
September: Nonnative fish removals, fish transfers, WCT population estimates and other cutthroat trout conservation projects.
October-December: Habitat surveys, Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination and Planning for future WCT projects.
Job Duties:
Work will involve fisheries field research and monitoring throughout Region 4. Projects will focus on native species, including Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Burbot, and others. Major aspects of field work include genetic and demographic monitoring of native fish populations, fish removal projects with rotenone, repopulation plans, spawning for new introductions, and wild fish transfers. The technician is expected to coordinate, develop, and support rotenone and construction projects from beginning to end. This includes fundraising and project planning with NGOs (e.g., Trout Unlimited), conservation districts, federal agencies, and private landowners. The following list represents major duties and responsibilities of the technician:
- Data collection, management, and field work, under the direction of staff.
o Working with the supervisor and crew, the technician coordinates field and laboratory work schedules with biologists and other co-workers to collect a variety of scientific data associated with prioritized fisheries projects using established protocols and guidelines. Works with supervisor to develop field and laboratory schedules and coordinates specimen sampling with the biologist and coworkers to ensure efficient and thorough surveys. The technician works with minimal or no direct supervision and, as necessary, evaluates the situation and determines the best approach for data collection according to planned sampling designs.
o The technician will help conduct aquatic investigations which can include capture and transport of fish using instream traps and electrofishing; installation and removal of large fish traps and instream fencing; fish habitat data collection; spawning surveys; streambed coring; and additional projects requiring similar skill sets. Assists with the eradication of undesirable fish populations or other aquatic organisms through application of piscicides. Proficiency in or willingness to learn the operation of an electrofishing jet boat on a dynamic river with hazards during all weather conditions, day and night, is desired. Extensive hiking and occasional backpacking in Wilderness and non-Wilderness settings in grizzly bear habitat will be required.
o Conducts the maintenance, purchase, repair, assembly, and testing of a variety of field equipment such as boats and motors, vehicles, electro fishers, nets, and other specialized fisheries survey and inventory equipment. Operates equipment such as electrofishing gear, boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and ATVs.
o May serve as a lead worker for day-to-day operations; may lead and train co-workers and volunteers; assigns and monitors work tasks; establishes work pace; demonstrates proper work methods; resolves day-to-day problems and reports major issues to supervisor. Recommends process and/or procedural changes or provides modifications to improve efficiency or effectiveness of process. Performs work duties in a safe manner and ensures other crew members follow safety procedures.
o Maintain proficiency as a Fisheries Technician through education and training. Examples may include swift water rescue, wilderness first aid or responder, CPR, fisheries techniques, data management, and statistical analyses training.
o May be required to enter, record, summarize, and manage ecological/biological data using standard software and existing databases. Technician completes basic analysis of samples collected using laboratory equipment. Assists in the preparation of and reviews draft versions of reports.
- Represents FWP in public education and outreach.
o During routine fieldwork, professionally represent FWP in a variety of situations and to a variety of people interested in the assigned research project. This may include university personnel, staff from federal, state, and local governments, FWP staff, the media, or the general public. Organizes and performs public outreach and education activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
o May be temporarily assigned to conduct similar duties to those described in other areas or for other FWP projects.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to:
- A bachelor’s degree in fish biology, fish and wildlife management, ecology, biology.
- One year of job-related experience.
Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
