Project Description
The Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group (CCFEG) is recruiting to fill two full-time, seasonal, field technician positions located in Twisp, WA. Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is one of fourteen non-profit Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups in Washington. The program was created by the State Legislature (RCW 77.95.060) in 1990 in response to dwindling salmon and steelhead populations. CCFEG  improves conditions for salmonids in North Central Washington through public education and habitat restoration. To learn more about CCFEG, visit our website www.ccfeg.org.
These positions will participate in fish passage inventories and habitat assessments designed to locate and assess human made instream features that may pose a passage problem for anadromous and resident salmonids in the Methow watershed, Okanogan County. Barrier and habitat assessments will be done using survey equipment and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) protocols. Fish passage inventories and habitat assessments support prioritization and implementation of future fish habitat enhancement and recovery projects. This project will focus its efforts along the fish-bearing sections of tributaries to the Methow River. 2018 will be the first year of this 2-year effort. This project is a direct partnership with the WDFW.

Position Details
Field technicians will assist crew leads in conducting advanced, onsite evaluations (e.g. structure dimensions, slope, velocity, substrate composition) using prescribed protocols and procedures to inspect, analyze, and report human-made structures including (but not limited to) culverts, dams, bridges, fishways, and surface water diversions on streams. Employees will also conduct physical habitat assessments (e.g. stream width, depth, and substrate) to evaluate the quality of fish habitat in streams associated with stream crossings.

Surveys will be conducted on private and public lands, on-foot and by car. Some days will involve hiking several miles upstream in small brushy creeks, while other days will involve assessing sites that are accessible by vehicle.

This is a field position, with approximately 95% of the work to be conducted in the field, from mid-June – mid-October. Approximately 5% of the work is spent in the office entering data and preparing summary reports. Work schedule is typically 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Thursday, however scheduling is flexible and may be variable based on consensus staff preference. A vehicle will be provided to employees for this project. The start date for these positions is expected to be May 15th.

Principle Activities
· Traveling to predetermined sites and streams in order to gather barrier status data. Data will be entered in the field using iPad tablets.

· Conduct physical habitat assessments (e.g. stream width, depth, and substrate) to evaluate the extent of habitat suitability for fish in streams associated with stream crossings.

· Use onsite measurements and information to determine the application of the appropriate protocol and techniques for collecting data to assess stream crossings for fish passage.

· Interact with private landowners to gain access to property for survey purposes.

· Analyze data to determine barrier status and quantify types and amounts of fish habitat in areas above barriers.

· Process physical and biological stream data using established protocols and procedures in Excel spreadsheets.

Qualifications: 

Education

· Bachelors degree with college coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field. Note: while a college degree is not required, it is strongly preferred.

· Or a HS diploma or GED including one year of high school science, and 4 years of experience as a Scientific Technician or equivalent.

· College coursework will substitute, year for year, for experience provided the coursework includes at least six semester hours or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

· A valid driver’s license. (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license).

Working Conditions

· The successful candidate must be willing and able to adapt to flexible work schedules, work along busy state highways, work long hours in adverse weather conditions, and walk streams to take measurements. Walking streams requires safely moving through thick vegetation, climbing over and around log jams, wood debris and walking on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30lbs of field gear.

· Ability to safely operate motor vehicles.

Competencies

· Understanding of the freshwater habitat requirements and life histories of local salmonids.

· Ability to perform advanced data collection of human made instream features and habitat properties using survey equipment and tablets.

· Ability to interpret aerial and topographic maps, and to navigate using maps and GPS.

· Communicate effectively with coworkers, partners, and the public.

· Must be self-motivated, reliable, punctual, and demonstrate good scientific ethics and integrity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

· Professional experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; knowledge of principles and procedures of research; familiarity with the use of GPS units’ or other devices for collecting data in the field; experience with Microsoft Word and Excel and familiarity with Windows driven computer programs; ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness; ability to act safely and decisively in the field; ability to adapt to challenges in order to complete project objectives.

· Ability to: think critically; collect, record, and compile data; perform work in a safe manner; work independently and as part of a team; accept supervision; follow prescribed protocols and procedures; follow oral and written direction; develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers, collaborators, and local landowners; make independent judgments in the field; perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather; tolerate difficult and sometimes tedious work conditions; abide by all applicable organizational policies.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Kristen Kirkby, Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, by 5pm, April 18th, 2019.

Materials should be emailed to kristen@ccfeg.org. Interviews are expected to be held on April 30th.