Job Description: Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group (MCF) is looking to fill two seasonal Bull Trout Task Force Field Biologist positions, based out of either Ellensburg or Yakima, WA. We are seeking hard-working, flexible, enthusiastic, and outgoing individuals interested in native fish conservation. Applicants must be willing to work in and around flowing water, hike long distances, tent camp, and perform manual labor in variable weather conditions and occasionally at night. The crew lead will often supervise our summer assistant positions, but may work independently or with staff, agency partners, and volunteers. The position will generally work 40 hours each week. Additional information about the Bull Trout Task Force can be found on our website: http://midcolumbiafisheries.org/restoration/bull-trout-recovery/bull-tro...
Primary Responsibilities:
- Work with state, federal, and tribal entities on various bull trout related research projects;
- Rescue stranded bull trout and relocate them upstream;
- Remove recreational rock dams that block fish migration;
- Conduct informal outreach to anglers, campers, and other recreationists;
- Lead presentations at campgrounds;
- Conduct bull trout redd and snorkel surveys;
- Collect data and enter it into database;
- Assist with the capture of adult bull trout below dams;
- Work independently and supervise interns; and
- Attend meetings and conferences when needed.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Must be dependable, self-motivated, and demonstrate an unwaveringly positive attitude;
- Must have a passion for the outdoors and conservation;
- Must communicate respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, interns, volunteers;
- Must be skilled at communicating with the public, sometimes in contentious situations;
- Must be flexible to changes in work schedule and assigned duties;
- Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to perform all aspects of the work, including:
- Being comfortable working in remote wilderness settings (without cell phone coverage); ● Able to perform physically demanding manual labor outdoors on difficult and hazardous terrain in all types of weather and occasionally at night;
- Capable of repetitively lifting 40 lbs into and out of trucks, walking 5 miles daily over steep or uneven terrain;
- Able to safely wade and swim in cold flowing water;
- Willing to camp, work at night, and work more than 10 hours in a single day;
- A valid driver’s license, a relatively clean driving record, and the ability to safely operate vehicles; Must comply with MCF policies and safety procedures. MCF’s personnel policy requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
- Must provide your own hiking boots, backpack, and rain gear. Waders and a dry suit, when necessary, will be provided.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, natural resources or a related field;
- Experience collecting and handling juvenile salmonids;
- Knowledge of salmonid biology and life histories;
- Knowledge and skills related to the identification of fish of the Yakima River Basin;
- Experience navigating using a handheld GPS and maps;
- Experience supervising others;
- Experience using computers and Microsoft Office software;
- Experience in Access and GIS
Pay: $16.25-18.45/hour depending on experience
Position Duration, Schedule, & Benefits: Positions are expected to begin in early June, 2022 (depending on weather conditions and employee availability) and end in October 2022. Employees will typically work 10 hour days with some days running longer. June – August the typical work week will be Wednesday – Saturday, September – October will be Monday - Thursday. The schedule will be discussed with successful applicants. All employees have a three month probationary period. All employees are provided with benefits prescribed by law, including sick leave, Social Security, workers’ compensation, and labor and industry insurance. Seasonal employees are eligible to accrue and use vacation and holidays. Unpaid leave may be granted at the discretion of the supervisor and must be requested in advance.
To Apply: A complete application should include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references. Please email one electronic copy of your application to zac@midcolumbiafisheries.org AND mail one hard copy of your application to 1200 Chesterly Drive, Suite 280, Yakima, WA 98902. Applicants are encouraged to call Zac Zacavish at (509)-310-9274 with any questions and to confirm that we have received your application materials.
Application Closes: Positions are open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on March 21st, 2022.
Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is a non-profit, community based group dedicated to restoring self-sustaining populations of salmon and steelhead. Mid-Columbia Fisheries works with landowners and community partners to protect and restore fish habitat. The Mid-Columbia region includes the Yakima Basin, the Klickitat, White Salmon, and Wind Rivers, and numerous smaller tributaries in Skamania, Klickitat, Benton, Yakima, Kittitas and Franklin Counties. It is the policy and intent of the MCF to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political ideology, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, or age. MCF intends to act nondiscriminatory in all acts related to recruiting, hiring or promotion of staff. For more information about us please visit our website: http://midcolumbiafisheries.org/