This job was posted by https://idahoworks.gov : For more information, please see: https://idahoworks.gov/jobs/2302234

About the Position

Nampa Research is seeking (1) 4-month temporary, (non-benefitted) Fisheries Technician to serve as an assistant crew lead for a summer snorkel crew. Crew members will conduct snorkeling and habitat surveys in the Salmon and Clearwater River drainages to determine fish abundance and distribution.

Dates Needed

5/19/2025to9/27/2025 (some flexibility on end date)

General Information

This is an assistant lead position for a six-person snorkel crew. The crew is based out of Nampa, ID. Most of the work is in remote areas that are difficult to access. Crew members may be 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Working cooperatively as 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

Additional Crew Lead responsibilities include:

• Communicating crew needs with supervisors regularly and in a timely manner
• Demonstrating leadership abilities by assisting supervisors with effective delegation, conflict resolution, and boosting crew morale
• Assisting with planning of snorkel field trips, including overall organization and maintenance of all camp/snorkel gear and cargo trailer
• Composing camp grocery list prior to each hitch, and delegating grocery responsibilities during weekly shopping trip
• Assisting with pre-season snorkel training if appropriate (fish ID, snorkel protocol, truck and trailer operation)
• Taking lead on all crew tasks, providing supervision/guidance to BioAides
• Organizing and QA/QC snorkel survey datasheets after returning to camp each day, and at the end of each hitch for the entirety of field season
• Entering snorkel data into LSDB database at end of field season
• Assisting with database QA/QC after keyed entry
• Composing field season summary for submission before position terminates
• Taking lead on maintaining fleet vehicles and field equipment.
• Assisting with other WSS projects as needed

Qualifications

Required\ Applicants must be able to work in advers 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 drivers license. Proficiency in Windows based software such as Word, Access, and Excel is essential for this position. Experience following oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures. Experience recording data.

Preferred\ It is preferred that applicants have a BS degree in fisheries or related field, or equivalent in applicable outdoor field training and experience. Those with previous snorkeling, fisheries field work, and/or leadership experience will be given preference. It is desired that individuals have the following skills and experience: tent camping (primitive), wilderness backpacking, fish identification, navigating by GPS and topographical maps, operating 4x4 vehicles and ATVs, towing/ backing trailers, and operating chainsaws.