Fisheries Biologist I

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF WORK

The Fisheries Biologist I is responsible for protecting and enhancing fisheries resources throughout Kalispel ceded lands. The primary function of this position will be to implement established fisheries research, monitoring, and evaluation projects on and off Reservation to conserve native fish species in support of Tribal goals to provide traditional subsistence and ceremonial fisheries for Tribal members. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with implementation of multiple grants/contracts with moderate budgets and diverse work elements. This position requires infrequent contact and interaction with multiple local level managers in federal, state, county, tribal, and other agencies and organizations, as well as the general public.

As an entry-level professional in research, monitoring, and evaluation efforts within the Fisheries and Water Resources Division, the Fisheries Biologist I will provide technical analysis and assessments of data to Senior Biologists, Program Managers and Directors. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting biological data, using scientific principles and techniques, and analyzing and interpreting data to make scientific conclusions that will guide resource management. 

This position is a full time permanent position where the incumbent will likely be required to work long, unusual hours, weekends, and occasionally holidays. The Fisheries Biologist I will also provide support to other projects and departments as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Fisheries Biologist I performs work under the supervision of higher level Fisheries Biologists with latitude for exercise of independent judgment and decision making. Work is reviewed by the Fisheries Biologist II through reports, meetings, presentations and one-on-one discussions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises direct and indirect supervision of up to 8 technician staff members in a variety of field settings.

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

This position requires the following:

• Assists in conducting biological studies. Summarizes biological data using established data conversion and statistical procedures. Conducts studies and/or research for which precedence and patterns have been established or collaborates with higher level biologists to develop research projects. Prepares reports or portions of reports on investigations and studies conducted.
• Participates in established sampling programs and projects designed to provide catch, effort, mortality, species composition, life history, abundance, distribution, movement, age, growth, and other biological data to inform fishery management decisions. Acts as field crew leader for fisheries projects.
• Assists with development and implementation of a variety of resident fish initiatives, programs and measures designed to sustain the fishing rights of the tribal membership within ceded lands.
• Assists with development of biological studies; planning, implementation, data collection, data analysis, and technical reporting. Assists with experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, modeling, spatial analysis, and database management. Summarizes biological data using established data conversion and statistical procedures.
• Implements standardized fisheries data collection with gill nets, trap nets, boat electrofishing, backpack electrofishing, angling, snorkeling, fixed station and mobile biotelemetry, and provide technical input on future novel approaches.
• Oversees and assists with purchasing, inventorying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing field equipment including boats and motors, vehicles, hydraulic systems, nets, traps, electrofishing units, and electronics.
• Assists with acquiring and reporting on scientific collection permits, fish transport permits, and Endangered Species Act take permits.
• Produces Annual Progress Reports, sections of Technical Reports or complete Technical Reports. Assists in the development of Scopes of Work, budgets, and grant applications.
• Conducts pre- and post field review to monitor and/or investigate environmental permit compliance. Assist in preparing reports on investigations and removal efforts.
• Assist in locating, assessing, enhancing, maintaining and construction of temporary barriers used as fish management tools for eradication projects and native fish conservation.
• Works with Fisheries Biologist II and Program Managers to determine and develop techniques and procedures for non-native fish suppression, eradication and habitat actions.

Recruiting Indicators (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Must have knowledge of Kalispel Tribal heritage and culture and the significance of fish and wildlife resources to tribal members. 
• Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out moderately complex tasks to completion while working independently or as a member of a project or interdisciplinary team. 
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders and co-workers with diverse backgrounds and interests. 
• Must have a working knowledge of Columbia Basin resource management issues, especially with regard to the Federal Columbia River Power System and its impact on anadromous and resident fish resources, economies, and cultures.
• Ability to identify native and non-native resident fishes of the Pend Oreille watershed and familiarity with their life histories.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research, fish management, habitat assessment, species identification and statistical applications for fisheries management.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory and field methods and statistical data processing relating to fisheries work, including fish species identification, their habitats and life histories, and fishing regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate non-motorized (cataraft, canoe, rowboat) and motorized boats up to 26’ in length in still and flowing waters. Experience with outboard motor, boat electrofishing units, hydraulic systems operation and maintenance.
• Experience with fixed station and mobile fish acoustic and radio telemetry desirable; study design, fish anesthesia, transmitter implantation, station operation and testing, mobile tracking, data management, manipulation and interpretation.
• Must have strong quantitative and computing skills; word processing, spreadsheet/databases, GIS, data management, and statistical software.
• Knowledge of fish population suppression or eradication strategies and techniques.
• Conduct and supervise standardized fisheries data collection with gill nets, trap nets, boat electrofishing, backpack electrofishing, angling, snorkeling and provide technical input on future novel approaches

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Training)

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife, natural resources science, or aquatic sciences AND 1 year of professional experience in fisheries, natural resource management or research.

Applicants having experience working in the Upper Columbia River watershed and/or experience in Western resident native species data collection will be given preference. 

SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS

• Must submit all applicable college transcripts and certificates of training for continuing education.
• Valid Washington State Boater Education Card.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and be eligible for coverage under the Tribes’ vehicle policy and insurance.
• Work history must reflect excellent attendance.
• Must be willing to travel for work projects, meetings, training and conference participation as necessary.
• Must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment and work variable hours, long days, early mornings, holidays, and weekends as the work dictates.
• Must be in good physical condition to be able to work and hike in inclement weather conditions and over variable and rugged terrain. Must be able to lift at least 70 pounds.
• This position has been identified as a Safety Sensitive Position. Pursuant to Kalispel Tribe policies, this position is subject to pre-employment, post accident and random drug testing.
• Washington State Aquatic Pesticide Applicator license preferred.
• Indian preference does apply.

WORK ENVIORNMENT

The work environment for Natural Resources staff is multifaceted. Outdoor conditions make it necessary to be able to work and hike in inclement weather conditions and over variable and rugged terrain. Work could include in water wading or from a boat (e.g. netting, electrofishing) and other on-water work. Potential exists for interactions with wild animals, bees, and other natural hazards.   Indoor work can require long periods of sedentary work interfacing with others in meetings or completing reporting or data entry at a computer station. Work may also require specific specialized equipment operation (i.e., snow machines, tractors, etc…), regional travel, and overnight stays.

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.