Fisheries Technician 4

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves 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 habitat management. Other important considerations include using data and word-processing software programs, and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups and agencies. A combination of excellent work habits, applied knowledge, and people skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position. At times, this is a physically demanding job involving backpacks and boat electrofishing in small streams to large rivers, hiking into and sampling remote lakes or streams, and operating and working from various jet, propellers, 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. The position requires electrofishing at night from a jet boat. This position involves eradication of undesirable fish populations through application of piscicides. A typical annual schedule for this position is as follows: January-February: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning. March-November: Various field work. Netting, electrofishing, etc. December: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning. 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.

Requirements

Working knowledge of fisheries science and management principles
Working knowledge of techniques and methods of fish sampling, electrofishing and water safety
Working knowledge of aquatic and biological research methods
Working knowledge of habitat management
Using data and word-processing software programs
Working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups and agencies
Excellent work habits
Applied knowledge
People skills
Ability and willingness to work in and around water in adverse and hazardous conditions, including inclement weather
Ability to work outside of normal business days and hours
Ability to work overnight stays in remote field locations for multiple days
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
Extensive hiking and occasional backpacking in Wilderness and non-Wilderness settings in grizzly bear habitat
Bachelor's degree in fish biology, fish and wildlife management, ecology, biology, or equivalent combination of education and experience
One year of job-related experience

Nice To Haves

Swift water rescue training
Wilderness first aid or responder training
CPR training
Fisheries techniques training
Data management training
Statistical analyses training

Responsibilities

Survey and inventory of aquatic species
Collection of biological and habitat samples
Recording, entry, management, and analysis of data
Utilization of various equipment to monitor fish survival/mortality, movements, behavior, and reproductive performance
Operation and maintenance of fisheries equipment including boats
Working as part of a team or working independently in field and office settings
Safe operation, maintenance, and purchase of field equipment
Data collection, management, and field work, under the direction of staff
Coordinating 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
Developing field and laboratory schedules and coordinating specimen sampling with the biologist and coworkers to ensure efficient and thorough surveys
Evaluating situations and determining the best approach for data collection according to planned sampling designs
Conducting 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
Assisting 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
Extensive hiking and occasional backpacking in Wilderness and non-Wilderness settings in grizzly bear habitat
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
Operating equipment such as electrofishing gear, boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and ATVs
Serving as a lead worker for day-to-day operations; may lead and train co-workers and volunteers; assign and monitor work tasks; establish work pace; demonstrate proper work methods; resolve day-to-day problems and report major issues to supervisor
Recommending process and/or procedural changes or provide modifications to improve efficiency or effectiveness of process
Performing work duties in a safe manner and ensuring other crew members follow safety procedures
Maintaining proficiency as a fisheries technician through education and training
Entering, recording, summarizing, and managing ecological/biological data using standard software and existing databases
Completing basic analysis of samples collected using laboratory equipment
Assisting in the preparation of and reviewing draft versions of reports
Representing FWP in public education and outreach
Professionally representing FWP in a variety of situations and to a variety of people interested in the assigned research project
Organizing and performing public outreach and education activities
Other duties as assigned
Temporarily assigned to conduct similar duties to those described in other areas or for other FWP projects