Fishery Biologist 1- Idaho Tagging Trailer Operator

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the openings for Fishery Biologist 1- Idaho Tagging Trailer Operator based in Lewiston, Idaho. The anticipated start date for this full-time, seasonal position is April 13th, 2026. 

Position/Project Specifics:

The incumbent will be responsible for operating an automated fish-marking trailer that removes adipose fins and injects coded-wire tags into the snouts of juvenile salmon and steelhead. The operator maintains this trailer and is responsible for troubleshooting and repairing various pieces of a complex network of computers, cameras, motors, and other electrical and mechanical equipment on the Idaho Fish-Marking Program.

This position then transitions into Trailer Operators PIT-tagging juvenile salmonids and using the P5 PIT-tagging software.

Significant travel is involved working and traveling to the nine different IDFG anadromous fish hatcheries throughout the state of Idaho working collaboratively with IDFG to complete the project. Opportunity to gain extensive experience in a hatchery environment and some fish-rearing experience.

There is a potential for the right candidate(s) of moving to full year/full time employees in early December.

Essential Functions: 

• Lead and participate in crews that conduct marking and tagging operations.
• Lead and perform data entry. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
• Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• elec. detection technology
• lift 40-50 lbs.
• valid driver’s license
• tow & maneuver trailers
• fish species ID skills
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate –where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous.  In the latter case, the employee must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.  Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.  

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Location: IDFG Lewiston (Nez Perce Co)

Project Length: 8 months or less

Position Type: Seasonal

Travel Requirements 50% – 75%

Benefits: Seasonal Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, FSA and Deferred Compensation. Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year, 12 paid holidays, bereavement and jury duty pay. All seasonal employees are eligible for 8 hours of personal leave at the beginning of the season, followed by an accrual rate of .016 per hour worked up to a maximum of 40 hours total.

Driving State Vehicle – Valid driver’s license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.