Fisheries Technician 4

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume

Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time November 8^th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ 

Specific Job Information:

A working knowledge of fisheries science and management principles, techniques and methods of fish sampling, electrofishing and water safety, aquatic and biological research methods, and habitat management are all important job qualifications. Other important considerations include using data and word-processing software programs, and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups and agencies. A combination of excellent work habits, applied knowledge, and people skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position.

At times, this is a physically demanding job involving backpacks and boat electrofishing in small streams to large rivers, hiking into and sampling remote lakes or streams, and operating and working from various jet, propellers, and manually powered watercraft on flowing and flat waters. The incumbent must have the ability and willingness to work in and around water in adverse and hazardous conditions, including inclement weather. The work schedule is sometimes variable, requiring work outside of normal business days and hours and may involve overnight stays in remote field locations for multiple days. The position requires electrofishing at night from a jet boat. This position involves eradication of undesirable fish populations through application of piscicides.

A typical annual schedule for this position is as follows:

January-February: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning.

March-November: Various field work.  Netting, electrofishing, etc.

December: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning.

Great Falls is the cultural, commercial and financial center of north central Montana. Also known as the Electric City, Great Falls is Montana’s third most populous city home to 60,000 people and is the county seat of Cascade County.

Job Duties:

Generally, duties of the Fisheries Technician 4 may include survey and inventory of aquatic species; the collection of biological and habitat samples; recording, entry, management, and analysis of data; utilization of various equipment to monitor fish survival/mortality, movements, behavior, and reproductive performance; and the operation and maintenance of fisheries equipment including boats. This position may require working as part of a team or working independently in field and office settings. The position will be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and purchase of field equipment.

Data collection, management, and field work, under the direction of staff.

Working with the supervisor and crew, the technician coordinates field and laboratory work schedules with biologists and other co-workers to collect a variety of scientific data associated with prioritized fisheries projects using established protocols and guidelines. Works with supervisor to develop field and laboratory schedules and coordinates specimen sampling with the biologist and coworkers to ensure efficient and thorough surveys. The technician works with minimal or no direct supervision and, as necessary, evaluates the situation and determines the best approach for data collection according to planned sampling designs.

The technician will help conduct aquatic investigations which can include capture and transport of fish using instream traps and electrofishing; installation and removal of large fish traps and instream fencing; fish habitat data collection; spawning surveys; streambed coring; and additional projects requiring similar skill sets. Assists with the eradication of undesirable fish populations or other aquatic organisms through application of piscicides. Proficiency in or willingness to learn the operation of an electrofishing jet boat on a dynamic river with hazards during all weather conditions, day and night, is required. Extensive hiking and occasional backpacking in Wilderness and non-Wilderness settings in grizzly bear habitat will be required.

Conducts the maintenance, purchase, repair, assembly, and testing of a variety of field equipment such as boats and motors, vehicles, electro fishers, nets, and other specialized fisheries survey and inventory equipment. Operate equipment such as electrofishing gear, boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and ATVs.

Serve as a lead worker for day-to-day operations; may lead and train co-workers and volunteers; assign and monitors work tasks; establishes work pace; demonstrates proper work methods; resolves day-to-day problems and reports major issues to supervisor. Recommend process and/or procedural changes or provide modifications to improve efficiency or effectiveness of process. Performs work duties in a safe manner and ensures other crew members follow safety procedures.

Maintain proficiency as a fisheries technician through education and training. Examples may include swift water rescue, wilderness first aid or responder, CPR, fisheries techniques, data management, and statistical analyses training.

The technician will enter, record, summarize, and manage ecological/biological data using standard software and existing databases. Technician completes basic analysis of samples collected using laboratory equipment. Assists in the preparation of and reviews draft versions of reports.

Represents FWP in public education and outreach.

During routine fieldwork, professionally represent FWP in a variety of situations and to a variety of people interested in the assigned research project. This may include university personnel, staff from federal, state, and local governments, FWP staff, the media, or the public. Organizes and performs public outreach and education activities.

Other duties as assigned.

May be temporarily assigned to conduct similar duties to those described in other areas or for other FWP projects.