Fisheries Technician

Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC
Supervisory Position:  No
Job Title: Fisheries Technician      
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location:  Bozeman, Montana
Time & Attendance Supervisor: N/A
Division:  Natural Resources
Home Department:  1011
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Position Type: Seasonal / Non-Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: No

TURNER NATURAL RESOURCES SUMMARY
Turner Natural Resources (TNR) is an integral component of the Turner organization, which has an overarching mission to promote conservation ranching with the blending of ecological restoration and commercial activities. TNR works to manage and restore habitats and species, with an emphasis on those that are imperiled, in synchrony with the progressive bison ranching operation of Turner Ranches and the research-oriented mission of the Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture. Our goals include managing and conducting research and restoration projects on Turner Lands in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner to conserve native species and habitats. We are passionate about improving land health and diversity through innovative approaches to conservation management, prescribed fire, and grazing. Our diverse team encompasses a range of expertise in the fields of veterinary, wildlife biology, ecology, aquatics, ranch and range management, as well as hospitality, providing a unique balance of knowledge and insight into the sustainable management of Turner properties. The Turner organization provides an atmosphere in which our employees can grow and progress through work experience, training, and community involvement. If you are passionate about ecology, sustainable ranching, conservation, and restoration of imperiled species, come help us to make a difference and be part of something great! 

LOCATION SUMMARY
The Fisheries Technician will be based in Bozeman, Montana. The position may also involve extended periods of travel to field locations in South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Kansas (not typically exceeding two weeks). 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Fisheries Technician will assist with aquatic organism surveys & population monitoring in pond and stream environments, native species restoration, aquatic & riparian habitat work, and other related duties as assigned.   This position will utilize a variety of biological sampling techniques and requires the ability to use basic hand tools. The position is based in Bozeman, Montana, but will include extended travel to assist with ongoing aquatic management and conservation projects at other locations within Montana, New Mexico, Nebraska and South Dakota.

As a Fisheries Technician, the job duties include but may not be limited to the following:

• Backpack and barge electrofishing.
• Use of gill, fyke, and trap nets.
• Hook & Line sampling.
• Piscicide application.
• Build in-stream habitat structures.
• Collect and plant willows for riparian restoration.
• Maintain detailed field notes and data during fieldwork.
• Travel 8 or more hours in a vehicle to remote locations for fieldwork.
• Drive a ½ ton pickup-truck in both urban and off-road environments.
• Safely operate and maintain vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and other powered equipment with various attachments and hand tools.  
• Participate in safety meetings as needed.
• All other duties as needed. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; works well alone.
• Project Management – Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
• Judgment – Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Motivation – Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism – Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

ACCOMMODATIONS 
The employee is responsible for housing while in Bozeman, Montana. Lodging and meals will be provided when traveling or in the field for extended periods; however, that may include tent camping (basic camping gear will be provided).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Enrollment in, or graduate of, an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or related field is required. Prior experience of aquatic sampling techniques and the ability to use basic hand tools is useful, but not required.  Experience with using GPS and mapping programs is highly preferred. The capacity to diagnose and perform basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment is highly preferred.  The ability to learn new skills is essential.    

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as scientific papers, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The employee must be able to write routine reports and maintain detailed records.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 
The employee must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and fractions. The employee must be able to understand basic statistics.  

REASONING ABILITY
The employee must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. The employee must be able to solve practical problems, and the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
If position requires operation of a vehicle, the employee must possess a valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. The employee’s driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company’s insurance carrier.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• The employee must adhere to Company policies and procedures, which are included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
• The employee must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to federal law.
• The candidate may be subject to undergo pre-employment drug test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work).
• The Company operates as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed in Company buildings or properties, to include but not limited to, Field housing, Field vehicles, and Field offices.
• The employee must provide own cell phone to use while working remotely.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk; hear. The employee must be able to lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.   The employee must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time, often outdoors under inclement weather conditions. Extended hiking may be required of the employee.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. Noise levels in the work environment are usually low to moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be alert and aware of dangers that are present while working in a remote location. The successful employee must be comfortable working alone in a remote landscape.

Typically, the employee will be expected to work 5 days a week (M-F) and up to 40 hours/week; however, the work schedule may require slightly shorter or longer workdays or weeks depending on the weeks’ task schedule and the weather.

*In accordance with applicable law, the Company will reasonably accommodate any disabled individual who requests an accommodation that will allow him/her to perform the essential job duties or functions of his/her position. Accommodation inquires must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.”

Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

For more information, and to apply online, visit https://www.tedturner.com/about/career-opportunities-2/.