Fisheries Biologist

Please Note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is currently recruiting for the position of Fisheries Biologist. Please note that there are currently three openings available statewide (Lewiston, Nampa, and Salmon.) The hiring list developed may also be used for future statewide openings.  

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho’s fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do.

What We Offer: 

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee only coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision & $12.08/month for dental
• Participation in one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start (accumulate approximately 3 weeks of vacation the first year, and increasing with state longevity)
• Eleven paid holidays a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance – state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential support, information, and resources for all of life’s challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs
• Ongoing training opportunities
• Potential flexible work schedule

General Information:

• With or without reasonable accommodation, these positions involve the ability to walk in rugged terrain, work in cold water for up to six hours per shift, work in extreme weather conditions, and lift and carry equipment weighing up to 60 pounds with occasional lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds for short distances.
• The department will use the register developed from this announcement to fill the current openings for a Regional Fisheries Biologist in Lewiston, an Anadromous fisheries biologist in Nampa, and an Anadromous Fisheries Biologist in Salmon. We may also use this register to fill future statewide openings for the following job titles:
  o Regional Fisheries Biologist
  o Regional Fisheries Habitat Biologist
  o Fishery Research Biologist
  o Anadromous Fisheries Biologist

Responsibilities:

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets life history, habitat, and research data for various fish species to improve conservation efforts or sportfishing opportunities.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Provides information regarding fish resources, regulations, and policies to various groups and the public.
• Provides input on management strategies & plans.
• Works with stakeholders and private landowners to improve habitat conditions.
• Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements and similar technical documents.
• Investigates and reports on fish kills including pesticide and pollution incidents.
• Conducts fish salvage and fish stocking operations.
• Monitors stream-channel alterations.

Minimum Qualifications: (All qualifications listed below are required. To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum experience and/or education standards as outlined in each of the typical qualification guidelines. A detailed resume or work history must be submitted, clearly demonstrating/supporting how you meet each requirement. This information is essential to our initial evaluation process. Incomplete applications or those lacking relevant details may not be considered for further review.)

• Good knowledge of fishery management practices to include habitat requirements, behavior of fish, fish population dynamics, limnology, stream ecology, taxonomy, diseases of fish, and aquatic insects and fishery research methods. (Typically gained at least six years of professional field work experience in fisheries management that included participating in fisheries field investigations, analyzing data, and writing reports OR successful completion of a fisheries related bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and at least two years of relevant work experience participating in fisheries field investigations, analyzing data, and writing reports)
• Some knowledge of sport-fishing techniques. (Typically gained by personal experience, direct angler observation, and/or reading or watching instructional videos.)
• Experience: conducting fish sampling and using basic sampling equipment. (Typically gained by experience sampling fish and aquatic habitat, but not as the lead investigator.)
• Experience using various software and databases that are used in fisheries research or other related projects. (Typically gained by at least one year of experience using computers for fishery or closely related disciplines for data entry, data management, and data summaries.)
• Experience making oral presentations to groups on fisheries related issues. (Typically gained by classroom or public speaking courses, or presentations to non-professional audiences on fishery related topics.)
• Experience writing articles for publication in newspapers, magazines and/or scientific journals. (Typically gained by experience writing at least one article for publication in newspapers, magazines, or reports as the first author.)
• Valid driver’s license.

The ideal candidate will have successfully completed a master’s degree or doctorate in fisheries management or a closely related field to include habitat requirements, behavior of fish, fish population dynamics, limnology, stream ecology, taxonomy, diseases of fish and aquatic insects, and fishery research methods. Additional consideration may be given at the time of interview to candidates who have this education and/or experience. Please be sure to include any relevant education, training, and/or experience you may have within your Application material that you submit. 

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game – We Make It Happen

Additional Comments:

• EEO/Veteran’s Preference.

Thank you for applying with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game!