Fisheries Technician 2 – Harvest Monitoring Project

The Fisheries Technician 2 position at the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission involves monitoring fisheries in Idaho's Clearwater, Salmon, and Snake River drainages. Responsibilities include fieldwork such as conducting surveys and training technicians, as well as office tasks like data analysis and report writing. Candidates should have knowledge of fishery biology and experience with various monitoring techniques. The role requires physical activity and is based in Lewiston, ID.
Position/Project Specifics

Successful candidate will be part of the Harvest Monitoring Project within Idaho’s largest anadromous fisheries for steelhead, Coho, and Chinook salmon. Work is based out of Lewiston, Idaho, to monitor fisheries in the Clearwater River, lower Salmon River, and the Snake River drainages. The work combines field tasks and office responsibilities.

Field work includes technician oversight, conducting angler interviews, sampling harvest, scheduling monitoring efforts and equipment for up to a 15-person crew, and training technicians on data collection and equipment maintenance. Office tasks include writing summary reports, producing high-quality figures and maps, assisting with annual report editing, and ensuring quality control of fisheries data.

Essential Functions
• Lead and participate in survey crews conducting fishery research including presence/absence studies, escapement surveys, and tag detection surveys.
• Perform data entry, error checking, and database maintenance as well as data analysis and report preparation.
• Lead watershed assessments and habitat surveys including stream inventories and riparian evaluations.
• Assist with creating naturalistic environments and document behavioral studies through photography and videography.
• Generate professional quality presentations of data including tables, graphs, and summaries.

Knowledge Required
• Understanding of fishery biology and specific fish species.
• Knowledge of fish husbandry and aquatic habitats.
• Familiarity with the scientific method and sampling protocols.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS, and statistical analysis software.
• Basic mathematical skills and technical writing protocols.

Additional Mandatory Skills
• Experience with carcass and redd surveys.
• Habitat monitoring and typing.
• Restoration project monitoring.
• Underwater video camera operation and snorkeling.
• Use of electronic detection technology and fish tagging.
• Ability to lift 40-50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and proficiency in operating GPS.
• Familiarity with software tools (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical packages).
• Construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance skills.

Physical Demands

This role requires physical activity ranging from sedentary to rigorous, including walking, climbing, lifting up to 50 lbs, extended hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and standing. Extended periods of camping and working in fast-moving water conditions may be required.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office environments and field settings. Field work may include exposure to inclement weather, unpredictable terrain, fast-moving water, and elevated platforms adjacent to water. Some tasks may be carried out at high elevations or aboard boats.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Candidates must have one year of Specialized Experience or one semester of graduate education directly related to the position. An equivalent combination of experience and education is acceptable. A bachelor’s degree in natural resources is preferred but not required.