Fisheries Technician 3

The State of Montana is hiring a Fisheries Technician 3 in Miles City, MT, to assist with fish population surveys and laboratory studies. Responsibilities include operating field equipment, conducting various fish capture techniques, and maintaining safety in outdoor environments. Applicants must be comfortable handling fish and working in adverse weather. The position requires a background investigation and offers benefits including health insurance and paid leave.
Fisheries Technician 3 - (25140403)

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 2, 2025. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Specific Job Information:

Position assists in fish population surveys/inventories and laboratory studies to assess the characteristics and dynamics of fish populations and angler use. Survey methods will include the use of various fish capture techniques such as gill-netting, trap-netting, seining, electrofishing, and radio telemetry. Employee must be able to accurately read lengths and weights offish off measuring boards and scales as well as letters and numbers on fish tags and may be responsible for accurately and legibly recording this information by hand on field data sheets. Operates and maintains field equipment and vehicles; ensures equipment, boats, vehicles, and nets are field ready. Cleans boats and equipment as needed to prevent equipment from malfunctioning and to maintain a safe working environment. Operates, assembles, and tests field equipment as directed. During routine fieldwork, the position professionally represents Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to a variety of people including landowners, anglers, University personnel, local governments, MTFWP stair or the general public. Work in and around watercraft is expected. Research and monitoring will require work in the field, may require long days, and may occur in a variety of outdoor environments, sometimes in adverse weather. Position will assist primarily with kids fishing days, some creel survey and fish tagging during the Paddlefish snagging season at Intake Fishing Access Site, assisting in pond and reservoir surveys as well as other duties as assigned. Work will involve field research activities that follow directed and supervised work schedules, overnight travel, and lifting heavy objects.

Job Duration: The peak workload for the FWP region 7 fisheries staff occurs between May IO and August 15. Having an applicant work through this time period would be ideal but adjustments for an earlier or later start will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Applicant must be willing to handle live and dead fish, as well as survey equipment such as nets that will at times be wet, dirty, slimy, and foul smelling. Applicants must be familiar with boats and be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. Must have a good altitude and willingness to learn. Must be honest and dependable, possess strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. Must be able to follow instructions and methods outlined by supervising permanent staff. Employee must be able to accurately read lengths and weights of fish off measuring boards and scales as well as letters and numbers on fish tags and may be responsible for accurately and legibly recording this information by hand on field data sheets. Must be able lo work in cooperation with professional biologists, other research assistants and the public. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are required. Must have good interpersonal skills and positive attitude when interacting with co-workers and anglers. The ability to work under direct supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Job Location: This position is based out of Miles City, Montana located at the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers in eastern Montana. Regionally there is lots to explore whether fishing, hunting, bird watching, rock collecting, floating, boating, hiking, and biking along the river, out on the prairie or in the badlands surrounding Miles City. Float a canoe or raft between fishing access sites. Camp to experience history (Makoshika, Medicine Rocks) or recreate on the water (Hell Creek, Tongue River Reservoir) al a State Park. Hike some of the public lands in the area (Terry Badlands, Strawberry Hill). Miles City is also within driving distance of attractions like Yellowstone National Park, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Red Lodge, Montana, or Black Hills, South Dakota.

Learn more about the rich history of this western town and about things to do in and around Miles City at the Miles City Chamber of Commerce website at https://milescitychamber.com/

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Education/Experience: The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $ 20.11 - 20.11 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Seasonal

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location: Miles City

Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: Feb 14, 2025, 10:58:49 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Mar 3, 2025, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Mandi Edlin | Contact Email: fwpemp@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-2693