Fisheries Research Biologist

State of Montana•Great Falls, VA

About The Position

As a fisheries research biologist at FWP, you will be expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and foster collaborative team dynamics to drive innovative research, facilitate cross-disciplinary partnerships, and advance our collective understanding of fisheries management. Priority research topics and fisheries taxa this position will focus on will change through time but will always be applied, integrated with fisheries management programs, and conducted in close collaboration with fisheries biologists and managers. This position involves working closely with university faculty and students, including serving on graduate student committees, as well as collaborating with federal research, regulatory, and land management staff. This position will supervise temporary or seasonal positions that vary depending on project definitions and funding. The initial, primary focus of this position will be developing and implementing research to inform and improve fisheries management and conservation for warm-water fishes, mostly in central and eastern Montana. This general need was collectively identified as the priority for this position by headquarters and regional fisheries managers. They articulated specific research needs related to native species status and population dynamics (e.g., burbot, bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo, suckers, drum, and others), effects of habitat and habitat improvement on fish populations, and to directly inform fishery management decisions for native and non-native species (e.g., paddlefish, lake trout). The incumbent in this position will work directly with fisheries biologists and managers to define research projects in more detail, assist with fundraising, conduct the projects, and ensure results are integrated into fisheries management programs. Success in this position involves a combination of interpersonal, supervisory, field work, analysis, presentation, and writing skills. This is a statewide position. The base location of this position is flexible, but FWP regional or area offices Great Falls, Lewistown, Billings, Glasgow, Havre, or Miles City are preferred, and office space is also available at FWP headquarters in Helena. Fieldwork will occur in different areas of the state that will change through time as projects are completed and new priorities emerge. Fieldwork will require travel and extended stays in the vicinity of projects away from the base office.

Requirements

Basic knowledge and understanding of biology, animal ecology, anatomy and population dynamics is required.
Training in and some ability to conduct surveys and perform radio telemetry is required.
Knowledge of the safe collection of blood, tissue, or other samples from animals is preferred.
Knowledge of animal handling is preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with professional biologists, other staff and the public.
Communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
Applicants must be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Ability to identify bear sign including foods, scat, tracks, and rub trees
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Disease Ecology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis.
Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician that includes the examples of: Literature review and development of a problem statement and/or hypothesis for a particular issue. Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis. Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application. Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information. Completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal. If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and/or actions. Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with telemetry equipment and locating units in the field preferred
Experience with capture, immobilization, and handling of large mammals (especially grizzly bears) preferred
Experience with safe use of firearms preferred
Ability to navigate using a map and compass or GPS

Responsibilities

Leads and develops high-performing research teams through strategic collaboration, mentorship, and effective communication to advance fisheries research objectives and scientific innovation.
Conceptualize, design, coordinate, and implement multiple research projects in multiple regions of Montana that are focused on priority fisheries management and conservation issues. This will involve adherence to the scientific method and the standard scientific process from project initiation to publication of products and disseminating results. This will involve close collaboration with statewide and regional FWP staff as well as other agencies and universities. This will involve technical competency, intellectual curiosity, productivity, and the ability to establish trust with other people and work well as a team leader and team member.
Serve as a technical expert and representative for Montana FWP in the arena of fisheries science in which research projects are focused, and in general on modern fisheries science, management and conservation strategies and techniques, data management, and advanced statistical data analyses. This will involve close professional communication and collaboration with university scientists, other agency researchers, and other Research Unit staff.
Maintain and enhance professional standing and competency as a fisheries research biologist in Montana and nationally.
Perform special assignments for the Directors Office and/ or Wildlife Division, including conducting special projects, participating in special meetings, providing technical counsel, ensuring appropriate scientific input to specific issues, and completing projects for other Divisions.

Benefits

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).

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