Data Management Specialist 2- Lower Granite Dam Fish Monitoring Project

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission • Nampa, ID

8d

About The Position

The Data Management Specialist II (DMS II) is responsible for maintaining the
data infrastructure that underlies the Lower Granite Dam anadromous fish
monitoring program. The position ensures that data collected at the trap and in
the field are accurately compiled, quality-controlled, and made available to
biologists and analysts in a timely manner. The DMS II acts as the primary
liaison between data collection systems (NOAA trap database, PTAGIS, Biosamples
age lab, genetics lab) and the Nampa Research SQL Server database that serves as
the program's central data repository. The position also maintains related
SharePoint collaboration sites and supports regional data requests.

Project Description
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Nampa Research Station conducts
monitoring of ESA-listed Snake River Chinook Salmon, steelhead, and Sockeye
Salmon at Lower Granite Dam, the first dam encountered by adult fish returning
from the ocean on the Snake River. The project integrates data from multiple
sources including daily fish trap operations, PIT tag detection arrays, coded
wire tags (CWT), genetic stock identification, and otolith/scale-based age
determination. These data are used to estimate run abundance, productivity, and
survival through statistical models, and the results are reported annually to
state and federal fisheries management agencies. The research is conducted in
coordination with NOAA Fisheries, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
(PSMFC), and other regional partners. Data integrity and timely management of
the multiple interrelated databases that support this program are essential to
its scientific and regulatory functions.

Requirements

• Proficiency in SQL or a relational database platform (e.g., MS SQL Server, Access)
• Proficiency in R or Python
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
• Effective written and verbal communication with diverse technical collaborators

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automated data pipelines or scheduled database jobs
• Experience with R Markdown or other reproducible reporting tools
• Familiarity with PTAGIS, RMIS, or other Pacific salmon data systems
• Microsoft SharePoint site administration
• Experience with fisheries or ecological field data
• Familiarity with otolith and scale-based age determination workflows
• Familiarity with federal and state anadromous fish monitoring programs, including ESA-listed Snake River populations
• Experience with salmonid redd surveys or other anadromous fish field monitoring methods

Responsibilities

• Database monitoring and maintenance (~30%): Monitor automated daily append of trap data to the LGDTrapping database; troubleshoot pipeline failures; coordinate with PSMFC, federal, and state partners as needed.
• Biosamples queue management (~20%): Monitor the age lab upload queue; append new biosample records and age determinations to the Biosamples database; ensure timely linkage of scale ages to trap database records.
• Quality control (~15%): Conduct monthly QC of trapping database records; identify and resolve duplicate sample numbers and other common errors.
• Seasonal data preparation (~10%): Prepare in-season PIT tag analysis spreadsheets for various anadromous species in coordination with project biologists; upload juvenile fish bypass data, temperature logger data, and trap operations records on a seasonal schedule.
• CWT coordination (~10%): Prepare collection kits for coded wire tag sampling; coordinate snout collection and return with hatchery partners; manage snout sample inventory; extract, read, and record CWTs from snout samples; upload CWT recoveries to Regional Mark Information System (RMIS).
• SharePoint administration (~5%): Manage membership and content for multiple SharePoint collaboration sites supporting the Nampa Research program.
• Data requests and miscellaneous (~10%): Respond to internal and external data requests; maintain PTAGIS subscriptions; assist with server backups and file server maintenance. Field survey opportunities (e.g., redd surveys) are available on a voluntary basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees