Biology Field Technician 1

State of Montana•Fort Peck, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL. Announcement: Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement. Cover Letter 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 March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site. Special Information: This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1, 2026. Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply. Specific Job Information: Work will involve implementing fisheries sampling activities on Fort Peck Reservoir identified by the biologist, regional fish manager and as outlined in the Fort Peck Fisheries Management Plan. This position will be required to work on large open water of Fort Peck Reservoir primarily by boat with potential exposure to severe weather and water hazards. This position must be familiar with watercraft operation in extreme water conditions and be able to follow safety protocols to prevent and manage exposure to serious health hazards. May require occasional changes and re-organization of work schedules and overnight travel. Requires lifting heavy objects and carrying up to 50 lbs or more on uneven terrain and slick walking surfaces. Fort Peck is located along the Missouri River in the plains of Eastern Montana. A wide variety of outdoor opportunities exist within the area. The county seat of Glasgow, MT is approximately 20 miles away with a population around 3,500. Job Duties: This position will primarily be sampling and monitoring multiple fish species on Fort Peck Reservoir. Employee will collect fisheries data using a variety of gears. Gears that may be used, but not necessarily limited to include gill nets, seines, boat electrofishing, trap nets, water quality monitoring and limnological devices. The employee will be required to travel in an outboard boat in remote areas of Fort Peck Reservoir. Employee must, with training accurately identify, measure, and record data on all fish captured, collect and process aging structures from several fish species, complete habitat survey measurements, take water quality measurements. Employee will also assist with hatchery stocking events. Periodically assists with creel surveys from anglers by conducting interviews and securing biological, geographical, and demographic information. Employees may be asked to enter, analyze, and report data in written and oral form. Employees will be required to assist in the maintenance of equipment. Position will be supervised by a fishery biologist and a Fisheries Technician 5. Employee will assist in public outreach events.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
familiar with watercraft operation in extreme water conditions and be able to follow safety protocols to prevent and manage exposure to serious health hazards
Requires lifting heavy objects and carrying up to 50 lbs or more on uneven terrain and slick walking surfaces

Responsibilities

sampling and monitoring multiple fish species on Fort Peck Reservoir
collect fisheries data using a variety of gears
travel in an outboard boat in remote areas of Fort Peck Reservoir
accurately identify, measure, and record data on all fish captured
collect and process aging structures from several fish species
complete habitat survey measurements
take water quality measurements
assist with hatchery stocking events
assist with creel surveys from anglers by conducting interviews and securing biological, geographical, and demographic information
enter, analyze, and report data in written and oral form
assist in the maintenance of equipment
assist in public outreach events