Fisheries Technician 5

Description: 

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks is seeking a Fisheries Technician. This fisheries technician will support the area biologist with implementation of modern fisheries sampling techniques in the Jefferson, Boulder, and Upper Missouri River sub-basins. Incumbent will work closely with the biologist on planning and executing sampling efforts, data management, and reporting.

Based out of Townsend, Montana, this fisheries position will serve a variety of cold and cool water species. Townsend is a small rural community with ample outdoor recreation opportunity. The Big Belt, Elkhorn, and Tobacco Root mountains provide abundant public access to escape civilization. When the “big city” calls, Helena and Bozeman are just a short drive away.

Responsibilities:

• Water Quantity/Quality Monitoring – Install and maintain water monitoring stations in target streams throughout the Upper Missouri, Boulder, and Jefferson Basins. Operate logger software, manage data, and create appropriate summaries. Coordinate with water users and the public.
• Native Species Monitoring and Restoration – Conduct surveys of Westslope Cutthroat Trout population abundance and distribution. Review habitat and migration barrier condition. Participate in fish removal/piscicide treatments when needed.
• Fish Population Monitoring – Help complete fish population surveys on large rivers using jet or drift boats, equipped with mounted electro-fishing gear. The use of backpack electro-fishing equipment to monitor tributaries populations will also be required. Incumbent will also help with netting in lentic systems.
• Data Management and Reporting – Technician will aid in analyzing data and writing necessary agency reports.
• Maintenance and Equipment – Operates and maintains equipment such as ATVs, motorboats, generators, electrofishing gear, water quality/quantity devices, power tools, etc.
• Education and Outreach- Participate in grade school conservation days, field trips, and other public education events.

Qualifications:

The knowledge, Skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in fish biology, fish and wildlife management, ecology, biology, and three years of progressive job-related experience or work closely related to fish and wildlife biology. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about this position with the State of Montana and apply here.