The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) assists four tribes in the co-management of their treaty fishing rights within the Columbia River 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 River Basin. The position offered is associated with the Fishery Science Department’s Habitat/Watershed Group. This group assists CRITFC and the four treaty tribes with collection and analysis of data pertaining to stream habitat conditions, habitat restoration, fish abundance, and stream ecology. This position will focus on monitoring fish abundance and growth in the upper Grande Ronde River and Catherine Creek basins in Northeast Oregon. The duration of this position is limited to 3.5 months and lodging will be provided in La Grande, Oregon.

• Salary: $14.97 – 15.97 per hour (DOQ) GS/RUS Schedule)
• Start Date: July 8, 2019
• Classification: Full time, temporary (no benefits)
• Duration: 3.5 months
• Location: La Grande, Oregon

Specific duties may include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist with electrofishing and/or snorkel-herding and PIT-tagging surveys to estimate abundance and growth of juvenile salmonids.
2. Collect benthic and drift macroinvertebrate samples using standard methods.
3. Record biological data using electronic data loggers and/or paper datasheets and transfer/enter data into a database.
4. Prepare and maintain field equipment and supplies for daily use in the field.
5. Other duties as assigned supporting collection of biological and environmental data relating to fish habitat conditions.

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

1. Experience collecting natural resource data in the field. A bachelor’s degree in fisheries or a related field will substitute for some work experience.
2. Familiarity with biological research and the ability to execute detailed technical procedures.
3. Ability to collect and maintain high quality data records from field and laboratory work.
4. Must be well organized with attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
5. Ability to work effectively and positively in a team environment or independently in field, office, and laboratory settings.
6. 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.
7. 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)
8. A valid driver’s license, good driving record, and the ability to lift and carry objects weighing at least 50 pounds.
9. Must be available for work between the approximate dates of July 8 and October 15.

Desired Qualifications:

1. General knowledge of Pacific Northwest fish biology.
2. Experience with fish handling and sampling including electrofishing, seining, and PIT-tagging.

• Supervision Received: This position will be supervised by a field crew leader within the Fishery Science Department’s Habitat/Watershed Group and will work closely with the local ODFW crews in La Grande, OR.
• Supervision Given: None

CRITFC maintains a field station in the town of La Grande, Oregon (4.5 hour drive from Portland) where field crews will be stationed for the summer. Lodging at the field station is provided. Field research activities typically extend from July into October, and involve long hours conducting physically demanding fieldwork in hot and potentially inclement weather conditions. Work hours in excess of 40 hours per week will be compensated at 1.5 time. Field crew members will spend most of the season collecting data in the field. However, job duties will also include office work such as cataloging macroinvertebrate samples, organizing and maintaining field equipment, and data entry on the computer. Training of specific sampling methods will be provided on the job.

The driver operating a CRITFC vehicle or their own private vehicle for business related purposes shall be in possession of a valid, unrestricted current driver’s license, or other operator’s license, as required by law; and be eligible for coverage under CRITFC’s Motor Vehicle insurance policy. Upon request, CRITFC’s Motor Vehicle policy is available to applicants to review the required criteria.

Click here to download the CRITFC job application form.

All qualified individuals, including women, veterans, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Hiring preference will be given to qualified enrolled members of federally recognized tribes and Alaskan Natives, especially to members of the four CRITFC member tribes (Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla and Nez Perce). If accommodations are needed during the application process, please contact Human Resources (see info below).

Note: no incomplete application will be considered.

Complete application materials include a cover letter, CV/resume, a completed job application a copy of relevant certifications and a list of at least three professional references.

Send application packet to:

CRITFC
ATTN: Human Resources
700 NE Multnomah, Suite 1200
Portland, OR 97232

You may submit your application by:

• Surface mail to the above address
• Fax to (503) 238-3571
• email to hr@critfc.org