Resource Scientist or Senior Resource Scientist – Anadromous Fish

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho Power is hiring 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. The Resource Scientist works under general supervision and oversight, applying scientific methods and literature to research questions and planning and leading projects of increasing complexity. 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, including adult placement and spawning evaluations; natural fish production evaluations and juvenile fish collection and monitoring; juvenile fish entrainment-potential evaluation; and general and detailed habitat evaluations. Implementation involves frequent collaboration and consultation with state and federal agencies. The position leads field crews and uses sampling and monitoring equipment and methods such as radio telemetry, aerial drones, PIT tags and permanent antennas, genetic tissue sampling, screw traps, and picket-style weir traps. The position also contributes to planning and implementing a watershed-level habitat enhancement program focused on aquatic habitat and fish passage. This includes coordinating with agency and project partners and helping lead habitat enhancement and fish passage projects. The role requires analyzing data, preparing annual reports, and presenting work plans and results to consulting entities. The position requires travel with out-of-town stays and may involve physically demanding fieldwork in varied terrain and weather. Job placement is contingent on successfully completing a pre-employment physical evaluation and DOT medical certificate exam.

Requirements

Master of Science in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or Biology from an accredited institution.
For the Senior Resource Scientist level, 5 years of related experience.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record based on the position’s driving requirements.
Valid DOT Medical Card or ability to obtain one before hire.
Knowledge of natural resources principles and scientific methods, and of the resource discipline in relation 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.
Ability to synthesize data; manage and coordinate simple to moderately complex projects; maintain effective working relationships; work independently and on project teams; develop and evaluate alternatives collaboratively; analyze complex datasets and databases; and produce professional written and oral reports.
Ability to perform required fieldwork, including walking or hiking on steep and unconsolidated slopes in varied seasons and weather, carrying a backpack, lifting and moving loads, and occasionally climbing onto or from equipment and machinery.
Ability to operate ATVs, UTVs, and jet boats in river conditions may be required to reach habitats.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation and DOT medical certificate exam.

Nice To Haves

Thesis-based Master of Science in Natural Resources, Environmental Resources, Biology, or a related field.
Three years of related experience for the Resource Scientist level.
Seven years of related experience for the Senior Resource Scientist level.
Membership in relevant professional societies or organizations.
Moderate knowledge and understanding of natural resources principles, scientific methods, sampling designs, and statistical analyses.
Moderate knowledge of the resource discipline and its relationship to electric utility operations and the business environment.
Ability to communicate 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 and apply knowledge across fisheries science, ecology, and resource management.
Ability to manage and coordinate moderately complex projects, independently develop alternatives, and evaluate them collaboratively for 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 on plan implementation.
Lead field crews collecting data and conducting fieldwork with sampling and monitoring equipment.
Help plan and implement a watershed-level habitat enhancement program focused on aquatic habitat and fish passage.
Coordinate with agency and project partners and help lead habitat enhancement and fish passage projects.
Analyze data, create annual reports, and present project work plans and results to consulting entities.
Depending on level, plan and lead projects, coordinate with internal departments and external organizations, and mentor environmental professionals and staff.