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Fishery Technician III

Closing Date: Open until filled.

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) assists four tribes in the co-management of their treaty-reserved fishing rights within the Columbia Basin. A key to ensuring our member tribes have a sustainable fishery is the ability to collect and assess information on the status of anadromous and resident fish populations and their habitats within the Columbia Basin. The positions are within the River Ecology division of CRITFC’s Fishery Science Department. This division collects and analyzes data pertaining to stream habitat conditions, habitat restoration, and stream ecology for use by CRITFC and its member tribes.

These positions will focus on population and habitat monitoring for ESA-listed spring chinook salmon in the upper Grande Ronde River basin in northeastern Oregon. Stream habitat data will be collected using a combination of remote sensing and instream habitat monitoring methods. Juvenile chinook salmon abundance and distribution data will be collected using a variety of methods including snorkel density surveys, backpack electrofishing, and seining. Carcass sampling for adult spring chinook and additional juvenile salmonid sampling may also be done.

The primary objectives of these positions are to collect data necessary to 1) Assess current status, trends, and key limiting factors in fish habitat characteristics (e.g. water temperature, pool habitats, and fine sediment) to the viability of spring chinook salmon populations, and 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of stream restoration actions aimed at improving key limiting habitat factors.

Position Details

  • Salary: $20.92– 22.32 per hour (DOQ)
  • Start Date: June 26, 2023
  • Classification: Full-time, temporary position
  • Duration: 3.5 months
  • Location: La Grande, Oregon

Responsibilities

  • Conduct stream habitat surveys including measurement of fish habitat characteristics such as channel unit type, channel dimensions (length, width, depth), large woody debris, substrate size, and stream temperature.
  • Assist with snorkel surveys to estimate fish abundance and assess the presence/absence of freshwater mussels.
  • Assist with juvenile salmonid abundance (mark-recapture) surveys using a backpack electrofisher and/or snorkeling and seining.
  • Assist with capture and processing (measuring, PIT tagging, and collection of blood samples) of juvenile steelhead/rainbow trout.
  • Assist with the capture and processing (measuring, tagging/marking, and collection of tissue samples) of juvenile chinook salmon.
  • Assist with carcass sampling for spawning spring chinook salmon.
  • Record data using electronic data loggers and/or paper datasheets and transfer/enter data into a database.

Qualifications

We seek responsible and dependable individuals with interests in fisheries science and ecology who meet the following qualifications:

  • An interest in fisheries science and experience collecting natural resource data in the field. A bachelor’s degree in fisheries or a related field will substitute for work experience.
  • Familiarity with a collection of scientific data in field settings using specialized equipment (e.g., data loggers, GPS, and laser range finders) and ability to execute detailed technical procedures.
  • Must be well organized with attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
  • Ability to work effectively and positively in a team environment or independently in field and office settings.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with people from a variety of agencies and cultures about the project objectives and methods.
  • Willingness to work under a variety of field conditions (e.g., hiking with gear to remote locations; hot, cold, and wet conditions involving up to 12-hour workdays wading in streams; car camping and backpacking/overnight trips into backcountry areas to facilitate data collection in more remote areas)
  • A valid driver’s license, good driving record, and the ability to lift and carry objects weighing at least 50 pounds.
  • Must be available for work between the approximate dates of June 26 through October 6.

Desired Qualifications:

  • General knowledge of Pacific Northwest fish biology, aquatic ecology, and fish habitat requirements.
  • Experience conducting stream habitat surveys.
  • Experience with fish sampling and handling including species identification, electrofishing, seining, snorkeling, and PIT-tagging.

Supervision

Position has no supervisory role.


Working Conditions

The position is based in the town of La Grande, Oregon (a 4.5-hour drive from Portland), where CRITFC maintains a field station. CRITFC provides technicians with co-ed housing at the La Grande field station. Field research activities typically extend from late June through early October and involve long hours conducting physically demanding field work in hot and potentially inclement weather conditions. The work schedule typically consists of a 4-day workweek with 10-hour days, Monday to Thursday. However, some work may require longer duration workweeks (up to 8 consecutive days). Work hours over 40 hours in a week will be compensated at 1.5 times. Field crew members will spend most of the workweek collecting data in the field. However, job duties will also include office work such as organizing and maintaining field equipment and data management. Occasional camping far from the duty station including backpacking in remote wilderness areas will be required, and in this case, CRITFC will offer a per diem.


CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job frequently requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

  • Reckless Driving
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Suspension or revoked license
  • No more than two at-fault accidents
  • One major violation or two minor violations.

Application Procedure

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Application review is ongoing and will continue until position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.


Please disregard the application information below. We are in the process of updating the application process and website templates.



Submit application form and any additional application materials by email to jobs@critfc.org. Include job title in the subject line. We will confirm receipt of your submission.



Hiring preference:
CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.

*Please note: the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.