Fisheries Biological Aide – Snorkel Crew (4 positions available)
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- Nampa Fisheries Research
Application Period: -Employment type: Temporary/Seasonal/Part TimeSalary: $15.00 per hour, non-benefittedEmployment Dates: to
About the position
The Idaho Department of Fish & Game Nampa Fisheries Research office is seeking (4) temporary (non-benefitted) Fisheries Biological Aides to work as part of a summer field crew. Crew members will conduct snorkeling and habitat surveys to determine salmonid abundance and distribution in the Salmon and Clearwater River drainages.
Dates Needed
5/18/2026 to 8/14/2026
General Information
These are entry level positions for a six-person snorkel crew. The crew is based out of Nampa but most of the work is in remote, backcountry areas of central Idaho that are difficult to access. Crew members are often required to hike/bushwhack/stream-walk 5-15 miles per day in steep and rugged terrain while carrying backpacks weighing 40-60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations. Snorkel surveys are often conducted in swift, cold, water, under variable weather conditions. The work schedule is typically eight days on and six off, working an average 10 hours per day. The crew will camp out in remote areas (often without cell phone service) during their 8-day stint in the field. All transportation, camp gear, snorkel equipment, and food will be supplied by IDFG during work stints. Housing is not provided during days off.
Qualifications
Required
Applicants must be able to work in adverse conditions on rough, remote terrain, and carry a 60+ lb. pack for several miles, with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred
A minimum of one year of coursework at the college level in fisheries, biology or related field or the equivalent in applicable outdoor field training and experience is preferred. It is also desired that individuals have the following skills and outdoor experience: tent camping (primitive), wilderness backpacking, salmonid fish identification, navigating by GPS and topographical maps, operating 4x4 vehicles and ATV’s, towing/backing trailers, and operating chainsaws.
Applicants must be able to work in adverse conditions on rough, remote terrain, and carry a 60+ lb. pack for several miles, with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred
A minimum of one year of coursework at the college level in fisheries, biology or related field or the equivalent in applicable outdoor field training and experience is preferred. It is also desired that individuals have the following skills and outdoor experience: tent camping (primitive), wilderness backpacking, salmonid fish identification, navigating by GPS and topographical maps, operating 4x4 vehicles and ATV’s, towing/backing trailers, and operating chainsaws.
Responsibilities
- Working cooperatively as a member of 6-person snorkel crew
- Working and living (primitive camping) in a backcountry setting for 8 days at a time
- Working outdoors in variable weather conditions
- Hiking, backpacking, bushwhacking, and/or stream walking 5-15 miles per day in steep, rugged terrain
- Conducting snorkel surveys in swift, cold-water environments (moving upstream in a full-body neoprene wetsuit)
- Identifying, counting, and estimating length of juvenile and adult salmonids
- Recording field data on PVC arm cuff and paper datasheets
- Performing QA/QC to ensure data is complete and accurate
- Maintaining snorkel gear, field equipment, and fleet vehicles to optimal standards
- Assisting with daily camp chores, including set-up, take-down, cooking, cleaning, and managing personal belongings
- Abiding by State and Federal regulations/guidelines related to responsible backcountry camping (LNT, campfires, bear safety, etc.)
- Communicating with crew lead and supervisors regularly and in a timely manner
- Conducting snorkel and habitat surveys according to established agency protocol
- Ensuring safe and professional conduct while on duty
- Working and living (primitive camping) in a backcountry setting for 8 days at a time
- Working outdoors in variable weather conditions
- Hiking, backpacking, bushwhacking, and/or stream walking 5-15 miles per day in steep, rugged terrain
- Conducting snorkel surveys in swift, cold-water environments (moving upstream in a full-body neoprene wetsuit)
- Identifying, counting, and estimating length of juvenile and adult salmonids
- Recording field data on PVC arm cuff and paper datasheets
- Performing QA/QC to ensure data is complete and accurate
- Maintaining snorkel gear, field equipment, and fleet vehicles to optimal standards
- Assisting with daily camp chores, including set-up, take-down, cooking, cleaning, and managing personal belongings
- Abiding by State and Federal regulations/guidelines related to responsible backcountry camping (LNT, campfires, bear safety, etc.)
- Communicating with crew lead and supervisors regularly and in a timely manner
- Conducting snorkel and habitat surveys according to established agency protocol
- Ensuring safe and professional conduct while on duty
How To Apply
How to Apply
- Applicants must first register with Idaho Department of Labor
Job Posting 2471333 https://labor.idaho.gov - Complete an IDFG Application for Temporary Employment https://idfg.idaho.gov/jobs/application-temporary
- Submit a cover letter, resume, three professional or academic references, and a completed IDFG Application for Temporary Employment via email to: ron.roberts@idfg.idaho.gov
EEO/Veteran’s Preference. If qualified applicants are found, this announcement may close before the listed closing date.
URL: https://idfg.idaho.gov/jobs/application-temporary
Contact: Ron Roberts
Email: ron.roberts@idfg.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 854-8917