This job was posted by https://idahoworks.gov : For more information, please see: https://idahoworks.gov/jobs/2302226

About the Position

The Idaho Department of Fish & Game Nampa Fisheries Research office is seeking(1) 8-month benefitted and (2) 4-month non-benefitted Fisheries Technicians to assist with our Idaho and Salmon and Steelhead Monitoring and Evaluation Study. The work site is located at Rapid River Hatchery near Riggins, Idaho.

Dates Needed

• (1) 8-month benefitted: 3/17/25 11/7/25
• (1) 4-month non-benefitted: 3/17/25 7/23/25
• (1) 4-month non-benefitted: 7/14/25 11/7/25

General Information

The Rapid River hatchery is located at the base of the Seven Devils Mountains and is one of the largest spawning and rearing facilities for spring Chinook Salmon in the state of Idaho. The hatchery is 7 miles from Riggins, ID, one of the states most desired locations for whitewater recreation, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Riggins is a small mountain town with restaurants, rustic cabins and lodges, outdoor outfitters, and local crafts.

This position is based out of the Fisheries Research office in Nampa, but technicians spend most of their time at the Rapid River Fish Hatchery near Riggins, ID. Work is split between operating a rotary screw trap (see links below) near the hatchery, assisting hatchery staff with daily operations, and assisting with creel surveys as needed.

The work schedule is typically eight days on with six days off, including weekends and holidays. Occasional night shifts may be required. An agency vehicle, housing (dorm or camp trailer), and food will be provided during the work shift. Housing is not provided during days off.\ \ Incumbents must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 60 pounds with occasional lifting and carrying of up to 100 pounds for short distances, with or without reasonable accommodations. This position involves working in cold water for long periods of time, in variable weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Rotary Screw Trap (25% of workload): Technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating a rotary screw trap. Typical trap duties include: collecting and PIT-tagging juvenile steelhead, measuring and weighing fish, collecting genetic and scale samples, mounting scales for aging, recording biological information, data entry on a laptop computer, routine QA/QC of field data, and operating/maintaining field equipment and fleet vehicles.\ \ Hatchery Operations (75% of workload): Technicians will assist hatchery staff every day. Typical fish culture duties include: sweeping raceways, feeding fish, trapping adult Chinook salmon and steelhead, recording biological information, spawning adult Chinook salmon, monitoring the development of eggs, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and maintaining hatchery grounds.

Creel Surveys: Technicians may be required to assist with creel surveys during the early season salmon fishery in and around Riggins, ID. This requires interacting with anglers to obtain data on fishing effort.

Qualifications

Required\ Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid drivers license. Proficiency in Windows-based software such as Word and Excel is essential for these positions. Experience following oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures. Some knowledge of life history, anatomy, and ecology of various fish and wildlife species. Experience recording data. Experience interacting with the public in a professional setting. Candidates must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, and demonstrate problem solving ability and safety awareness.\ \ Preferred\ It is preferred that applicants have a BS degree in fisheries or related field, or the equivalent from applicable job experience and training. Individuals with experience in aquaculture, operating rotary screw traps, implanting PIT tags, and ollecting and managing biological data from both adult and juvenile salmonids will be given preference. Experience towing and backing trailers, operating ATVs and 4x4 vehicles, driving on snow and ice-covered roads, and operating chain saws, winches, and a variety of power/hand tools is desired.