Fisheries Technician 2

State of Montana • Miles City, MT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Position assists in fish population surveys/inventories and laboratory studies to assess the characteristics and dynamics of fish populations and angler use. Survey methods will include the use of various fish capture techniques such as gill-netting, trap-netting, seining, electrofishing, and radio telemetry. Employee must be able to accurately read lengths and weights offish off measuring boards and scales as well as letters and numbers on fish tags and may be responsible for accurately and legibly recording this information by hand on field data sheets. Operates and maintains field equipment and vehicles; ensures equipment, boats, vehicles, and nets are field ready. Cleans boats and equipment as needed to prevent equipment from malfunctioning and to maintain a safe working environment. Operates, assembles, and tests field equipment as directed. During routine fieldwork, the position professionally represents Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to a variety of people including landowners, anglers, University personnel, local governments, MTFWP stair or the general public. Work in and around watercraft is expected. Research and monitoring will require work in the field, may require long days, and may occur in a variety of outdoor environments, sometimes in adverse weather. Position will assist primarily with kids fishing days, some creel survey and fish tagging during the Paddlefish snagging season at Intake Fishing Access Site, assisting in pond and reservoir surveys as well as other duties as assigned. Work will involve field research activities that follow directed and supervised work schedules, overnight travel, and lifting heavy objects.

Requirements

• Applicant must be willing to handle live and dead fish, as well as survey equipment such as nets that will at times be wet, dirty, slimy, and foul smelling.
• Applicants must be familiar with boats and be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• Must have a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Must be honest and dependable, possess strong work ethics and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to follow instructions and methods outlined by supervising permanent staff.
• Employee must be able to accurately read lengths and weights of fish off measuring boards and scales as well as letters and numbers on fish tags and may be responsible for accurately and legibly recording this information by hand on field data sheets.
• Must be able to work in cooperation with professional biologists, other research assistants and the public.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
• Must have good interpersonal skills and positive attitude when interacting with co-workers and anglers.
• The ability to work under direct supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assists in fish population surveys/inventories and laboratory studies.
• Uses various fish capture techniques such as gill-netting, trap-netting, seining, electrofishing, and radio telemetry.
• Accurately reads lengths and weights of fish and records data.
• Operates and maintains field equipment and vehicles.
• Cleans boats and equipment.
• Professionally represents Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to the public.
• Assists with kids fishing days, creel survey and fish tagging.
• Assists in pond and reservoir surveys.
• Participates in field research activities, overnight travel, and lifting heavy objects.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees