Resource Scientist or Senior Resource Scientist – Anadromous Fish

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

12d•$89,669 - $140,109•Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho Power is seeking a Resource Scientist or Senior Resource Scientist for its Power Supply team in Boise, Idaho. The position is based at the company’s downtown Boise location, with flexible schedules and the opportunity to work up to 40% remotely. Relocation assistance may be provided. A Resource Scientist applies scientific methods and literature to research questions, plans and leads projects of increasing complexity, and works with internal departments and external organizations under general supervision. A Senior Resource Scientist may lead multiple complex projects with employees or contractors and mentor environmental professionals and staff. The role will lead components of an anadromous fish placement, evaluation, and monitoring plan. Work includes adult placement and spawning evaluations; evaluation of natural fish production, including juvenile fish collection and monitoring; assessment of juvenile fish entrainment potential; and habitat evaluations. The position collaborates with state and federal agencies and leads field crews using sampling and monitoring equipment. It also helps plan and implement watershed-level habitat enhancement and fish passage projects in coordination with agency and project partners. The role requires analyzing data, preparing annual reports, and presenting work plans and results to consulting entities. The Resource Scientist requires a master’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or Biology and a valid driver’s license. The Senior Resource Scientist has the same education and license requirements and requires five years of related experience. Both levels require a valid DOT Medical Card or the ability to obtain one before hire. The position involves fieldwork, physical activity in varied terrain and weather, and travel with overnight stays.

Requirements

Master of Science in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or Biology from an accredited institution.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record based on the position’s driving requirements.
Valid Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card or ability to obtain one before hire.
For Senior Resource Scientist: five years of related experience.
General knowledge of natural resources principles and application of scientific methods.
Moderate knowledge related to the resource discipline and how it relates to electric utility operations and the business environment.
Interdisciplinary skills and effective oral and written communication.
Proficient use of computers and software related to the position and ability to synthesize data.
Ability to manage and coordinate simple to moderately complex projects, establish effective working relationships, and work independently and on project teams.
Ability to develop alternatives collaboratively, analyze complex datasets and databases, and produce professional written and oral reports of issues, alternatives, and recommendations.
Ability to perform fieldwork involving hiking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and occasional climbing.
Ability to travel with out-of-town stays.

Nice To Haves

Thesis-based master’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Resources, Biology, or a related field.
Three years of related experience for Resource Scientist.
Seven years of related experience for Senior Resource Scientist.
Membership in relevant professional societies or organizations.
Moderate knowledge of natural resources principles, scientific methods, sampling designs, and statistical analyses.
Proficiency communicating complex fisheries science and management concepts to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency with computers and software related to environmental research.
Moderate to high-level understanding of fishery principles and application of scientific data and analyses.
Ability to integrate knowledge from fisheries science, ecology, and resource management.
Ability to manage and coordinate moderately complex projects and independently develop alternatives collaboratively to evaluate their potential to meet program and company needs.

Responsibilities

Lead components of an anadromous fish placement, evaluation, and monitoring plan.
Lead adult placement and spawning evaluations.
Evaluate natural fish production, including collecting and monitoring juvenile fish.
Evaluate juvenile fish entrainment potential and conduct general and detailed habitat evaluations.
Collaborate and consult with state and federal agencies to implement the plan.
Lead field crews collecting data and conducting monitoring and sampling work.
Use sampling and monitoring equipment, including radio telemetry, aerial drones, PIT tags and permanent antennas, genetic tissue samples, screw traps, and picket-style weir traps.
Help plan and implement a watershed-level habitat enhancement program focused on improving aquatic habitat and fish passage.
Coordinate with agency and project partners and help lead the development and implementation of habitat enhancement and fish passage projects.
Analyze data, prepare annual reports, and present project work plans and results to consulting entities.
Depending on level and project complexity, plan and lead projects and, at the senior level, mentor environmental professionals and staff.