Fisheries/Habitat Technician Crew Lead - Henrys Lake

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION:  This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. Candidates may apply until February 16, but the announcement may close sooner if a candidate is selected. 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking Fisheries Technician. The Fisher Technician will lead a crew assisting in fish population monitoring and habitat improvement in the Upper Snake Region (primarily Henrys Lake and the Teton River). Start and end dates are somewhat flexible, but the successful applicant will ideally start early April, and end approximately eight months after the start date. Candidates must include their earliest available start date in the application. This is an 8-month benefited temporary position expected to work up to 40 hours per week. 

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho's fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do. 

What We Offer: 

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start 
• Eleven paid holidays in a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans 
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance - state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans 
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential support, information, and resources for all of life's challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs 
• Ongoing training opportunities  Potential flexible work schedule 

General Information: 

This position is based in Island Park, Idaho and job duties will primarily be conducted within and around Henrys Lake. Housing is provided (fully furnished two-bedroom house) and is located on Henrys Lake <100 yds from the lake shore. The lake is home to trophy populations of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, sterile hybrid trout (RBT X YCT), and Brook Trout. Henrys Lake holds state records for all three taxa as well. Job duties will primarily consist of gill netting, riparian fence maintenance, electrofishing, alpine lake surveys, creel surveys, facility upkeep, fish screen monitoring, lab work (mounting and sectioning of fish aging structures), and data entry/summarization. The work schedule can be variable with some work occurring on weekends/holidays but will primarily consist of weekdays during regular business hours. There will be opportunities to assist with other crews and work on other fantastic fisheries throughout the season. Beyond the excellent professional development opportunities provided by this position, world-class angling opportunities, proximity to Yellowstone National Park (<20 miles), and populations of charismatic megafauna (Moose, Grizzly Bears, Elk, Pronghorn, etc...) in the Island Park area make for an enviable place to call home for eight months. 

Physical requirements: With or without reasonable accommodations, applicants must be able to work in extreme weather, handle live and dead fish, hike reasonable distances over challenging terrain while carrying a pack, and lift/carry equipment up to 60lbs for short distances. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assisting the biologist with fisheries surveys using a variety of methods and gears (electrofishing, gill netting, trap netting, creel surveys, alpine lake surveys, habitat surveys, etc..), and leading some of these surveys in the absence of the biologist. 
• Conducting riparian cattle exclusion fence maintenance and cleaning/maintaining irrigation diversion fish screens
• Operating boats/rafts (rowing and motorized), tractors, snow blowers, lawnmowers, and other motorized equipment as required
• Operating vehicles while pulling and backing trailers
• Collecting accurate data during surveys and ensuring quality data from crew members
• Extracting, mounting, sectioning, and aging of otoliths and spines from fish
• Interacting with the public on a regular basis and being able to convey local fishing regulations
• Communicating facility and crew needs with the biologist regularly and in a timely manner
• Demonstrating leadership by assisting the biologist with effective delegation, conflict resolution, creative problem solving, and boosting crew morale
• Assisting with the planning of field trips/surveys, including organization and maintenance of camp gear, survey gear, and data collection tools
• Taking lead on all crew tasks and providing training/supervision to crew members
• Entering data and performing QA/QC on entered data to ensure accuracy
• Summarizing data using tables and figures
• Working/camping outdoors for multiple days in variable weather conditions
• Hiking or stream walking several miles per day in variable terrain
• Ensuring safe and professional conduct while on duty

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required.)

• Some knowledge of life history, anatomy, and ecology of various fish species. 
• Experience: recording, summarizing, and analyzing scientific data; diagnosing and repairing minor mechanical problems. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

Supplemental Information:

The ideal candidate is preferred to have or be working towards a B.S. Degree in fisheries, biology, or related field, or equivalent in training and experience. Experience operating boats, gill netting, electrofishing, fish aging, trailering, interacting with the public, using Microsoft Office programs, working in remote locations. Additional consideration may be given at the time of interview to candidates who have experience in these areas. Please include within your resume the relevant coursework and/or job experience necessary to meet the qualifications for this position.

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game - We Make It Happen

Thank you for applying with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game!