Resident Fish Biologist I

CLOSING DATE: Friday, March 22, 2024

POSITION: Resident Fish Biologist I - Sturgeon

SALARY: $23.30 – 27.02 / hour DOE

REPORTS TO: Resident Fish Principle Biologist

LOCATION: Fish and Wildlife Department, Spokane, WA

Basic Functions: Under the supervision of the White Sturgeon Enhancement Project Principal Biologist, the individual in this position will help organize and collect data for studies investigating population status and limiting factors for White Sturgeon and Burbot populations in the Columbia River Basin in Washington state. The incumbent will supervise and lead project Natural Resource Technicians in laboratory and field data collection ensuring all sampling protocols are adhered to and required safety procedures are followed. With the assistance of Natural Resource technicians, the individual in this position will also be responsible for the upkeep of project vehicles (trucks, boats and trailers), field sampling equipment and laboratory equipment including keeping detailed maintenance, repair and use records. This position requires extensive field work in all weather conditions during the day and at night.

Education and Training:

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in fisheries, natural resources science, or environmental science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Scientific method; principles and procedures of scientific data collection; general life histories of resident fish species in the Columbia River drainage.
• Apply standard fisheries related laboratory and field methods to gather data.
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Communicate effectively with Tribal, federal, state and county officials, and the general public.
• Work long hours (>10) on a boat deploying and retrieving sampling equipment in inclement weather both during the day and at night.
• Solve logistical problems.
• Organize and prioritize work to achieve results and meet goals and objectives on time.
• Operate project trucks, boats and trailers and equipment safely.
• Maintain project trucks, boats and trailers and equipment and effectively troubleshoot and rectify cases of vehicle and equipment malfunction.
• Understand and follow applicable regulations and standards to maintain a safe work environment.
• Handle difficult situations (i.e., equipment malfunction, accident, vehicle breakdown), making appropriate decisions, working calmly, and accurately.
• Communicate information for the purpose of having others learn and understand techniques.
• Use personal computers and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Must be able to work effectively and efficiently on a boat deploying and retrieving commonly used fish sampling equipment for long hours (>10) in inclement weather both during the day and at night.
• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs. such as when loading/unloading equipment (e.g., concrete anchors) to project trucks or boats.
• Must be able to complete repetitive tasks for long periods of time (hours), such as clipping gear to setlines or typing.
• Must be able to sit or stand for considerable periods of time (hours).

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance. In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances. If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

INFORMATION: Diane Stensgar, HR Technician Senior, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509) 634-2296 diane.stensgar.hrs@colvilletribes.com