Fisheries Technician Assistant Snorkel Crew Leader

The Fisheries Technician Assistant Snorkel Crew Leader position in Nampa, ID involves leading a snorkel crew for habitat surveys in remote backcountry settings. Key responsibilities include conducting snorkeling surveys, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining equipment, and performing physical tasks in rugged terrain. The role requires camping for extended periods and leading a team while adhering to regulations and safety protocols. Candidates must be physically fit and possess relevant skills.
About the position

The Fisheries Technician Assistant Snorkel Crew Leader position at Nampa Research involves leading a summer snorkel crew to conduct snorkeling and habitat surveys in the Salmon and Clearwater River drainages. The role requires working in remote areas, performing physical tasks, and ensuring data accuracy while camping in backcountry settings.

Responsibilities
• Working cooperatively as a member of a 6-person snorkel crew
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• Living and working in a backcountry setting for 8 days at a time
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• Hiking, backpacking, bushwhacking, and/or stream walking 5-15 miles per day in steep, rugged terrain
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• Conducting snorkel surveys in swift, cold-water environments
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• Identifying, counting, and estimating length of juvenile and adult salmonids
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• Recording field data on PVC arm cuff and paper datasheets
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• Performing QA/QC to ensure data is complete and accurate
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• Maintaining snorkel gear, field equipment, and fleet vehicles to optimal standards
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• Assisting with daily camp chores, including set-up, take-down, cooking, cleaning, and managing personal belongings
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• Abiding by State and Federal regulations/guidelines related to responsible backcountry camping
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• Communicating with crew lead and supervisors regularly and in a timely manner
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• Conducting snorkel and habitat surveys according to established agency protocol
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• Ensuring safe and professional conduct while on duty
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• Demonstrating leadership abilities by assisting supervisors with effective delegation, conflict resolution, and boosting crew morale
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• Assisting with planning of snorkel field trips, including overall organization and maintenance of all camp/snorkel gear and cargo trailer
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• Composing camp grocery list prior to each hitch, and delegating grocery responsibilities during weekly shopping trip
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• Assisting with pre-season snorkel training if appropriate
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• Taking lead on all crew tasks, providing supervision/guidance to BioAides
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• Organizing and QA/QC snorkel survey datasheets after returning to camp each day
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• Entering snorkel data into LSDB database at end of field season
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• Assisting with database QA/QC after keyed entry
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• Composing field season summary for submission before position terminates
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• Taking lead on maintaining fleet vehicles and field equipment
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• Assisting with other WSS projects as needed

Requirements
• Must be able to work in adverse conditions on rough, remote terrain
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• Must be able to carry a 60+ lb. pack for several miles
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• Must be at least 18 years of age
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• Must possess a valid driver's license
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• Proficiency in Windows based software such as Word, Access, and Excel
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• Experience following oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures
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• Experience recording data

Nice-to-haves
• BS degree in fisheries or related field, or equivalent outdoor field training and experience
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• Previous snorkeling, fisheries field work, and/or leadership experience
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• Tent camping (primitive)
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• Wilderness backpacking
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• Fish identification
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• Navigating by GPS and topographical maps
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• Operating 4x4 vehicles and ATVs
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• Towing/backing trailers
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• Operating chainsaws

Benefits
• Transportation, camp gear, snorkel equipment, and food supplied by IDFG during work stints