Aquatic Habitat Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking three (2) full-time seasonal technicians to assist fisheries biologists statewide with field data collection for aquatic habitat projects. These positions will work closely with biologists in a variety of field settings to support habitat assessments, monitoring efforts, and project implementation. Seasonal employment ranges from 4 to 8 months, depending on project needs and location. Applicants must be available to work from May through at least September; individuals who cannot meet this availability should not apply.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Collect a variety of stream habitat data utilizing longitudinal profiles, cross sections, bank surveys, and other methods.
• Use land surveying equipment (total station, auto level, laser level), GPS devices, velocity meters, and data loggers to collect stream channel morphology, depth, velocity, discharge, substrate, cover, temperature, and other stream habitat data in remote areas.
• Complete fish passage surveys.
• Complete entrainment sampling of irrigation ditches.
• Assist with tagging and tracking of marked fish using PIT and radio telemetry systems.
• Collect field inventories of road crossings and irrigation ditches.
• Handle fish and collect biological data.
• Operate 4X4 vehicles.
• Communicate well with members of the public, landowners, and personnel from various agencies and represent the WGFD in a professional manner.
• Perform data entry, report writing, quality control, and equipment maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Biologist technicians may occasionally assist other regional fisheries management crews in such tasks as electrofishing, netting, stream surveys, or other tasks.
• Review and manage images from trail cameras.
• Perform routine maintenance of sampling and survey gear.
• Maintain a positive attitude during inclement weather, physically demanding conditions, and during interactions with members of the public.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to those pursuing a career or degree in fisheries, rangeland management, geomorphology, or closely related field. This may include preference toward those with a high school degree plus experience in fish and wildlife resource management, research, or college course work in aquatic ecology, hydrology, watershed science, fishery or wildlife management, ichthyology, hydrology, or other closely related field.

Preference may be given to candidates who attach a position-specific cover letter, resume, and college transcripts to the State of Wyoming online application. The cover letter should include career plans, suitability for the job, and dates of availability (clearly stating starting and ending availability).
Knowledge of stream habitat quality and condition, and habitat requirements of stream fish species is preferred.        

**Must have a valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and work well with others on a small crew.
• Ability to learn new skills and techniques quickly and apply those skills efficiently.
• Ability to quickly learn the identification of fish species.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to perform fieldwork under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to wade swift streams.
• Ability to carry a 40 lb. backpack while hiking the backcountry.
• May require considerable physical labor, including working, hiking, and camping in the field for up to 5 days at a time.
• Overnight travel and camping in remote areas may be required.
• Weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours, including early mornings and late evenings.
• May require extensive travel across the state in Department vehicles.
• Operation of 4WD vehicles and towing trailers may be required
• May require the ability to navigate with a map in remote locations.
• Use of GPS and a basic working knowledge of ArcMap software may be required.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• The positions are 4-8 months in duration.
• Tentative dates for these positions are May – October.
• Off-duty housing is not provided.
• Lodging, waders, rain gear, uniform, and other necessary field equipment and expenses will be provided when in the field.
• Applicants should complete a State of Wyoming online application; preference will be given to applicants who attach a cover letter, resume, and copies of transcripts with this application.  The cover letter should include career plans, suitability for the job, preference for Pinedale or Laramie, and dates or availability (clearly stating your starting and ending availability). Additional questions and information about the positions can be addressed by contacting Lara Gertsch at lara.gertsch@wyo.gov.

Supplemental Information
040-Game& Fish Commission-Fish Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming total Compensation Calculator.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. 
 Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.