JOB RECRUITMENT NOTICE
Agency: Burns Paiute Tribe
Title: Fish Biologist
Closing Date: Monday, June 24, 2013
Anticipated Start Date: Immediate
Position Duration: Permanent
The Burns Paiute Tribe in Burns, Oregon is filling a Fish Biologist position in the Fisheries
Program of the Natural Resources Department. This is a permanent position stationed in Burns,
OR with work areas in the Malheur River, OR. The Fish Biologist will assist Fisheries Program
Manager in supporting technical aspects of the program including: refining research and
monitoring design; refining field methodology and developing protocols; conducting field data
collection and overseeing project implementation; statistical analysis and technical report
writing; and participating in regular interagency coordination. This position is regularly a crew
lead position when in the field. The Fish Biologist will be required to analyze data, write
technical reports, develop funding proposals, and make technical recommendations to Fisheries
Program Manager when not in the field.
In the field, the incumbent will be required to check/maintain weir traps, assist in electrofishing
removal of non-native brook trout, assist in gill net/cast net removal of brook trout in a high
elevation lake, participate in spawning surveys and assist in maintaining and troubleshooting PIT
tag array. Additional field duties assigned as necessary.
NOTE: This is a flexible schedule position to encompass a rigorous field program from May to
November annually.
Basic Requirement:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Degree must have been
conferred from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university that included: at least 6
semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic
botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of biology; AND
at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate
zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology,
genetics or research in these fields.
AND
Incumbent must have at least two years of full time fisheries employment.
OR
A Master’s degree can substitute for the two years of fisheries employment required.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Field data collection (via weir, electrofishing, gill/trap nets, PIT tag array, habitat
surveys, spawning surveys, etc.)
-
Ensuring that field crews adhere to strict quality assurance/quality control measures on all
data collection
Statistical analysis
Technical report preparation
Assist with all projects within the Fisheries Program, e.g., brook trout suppression
activities, salmon reintroduction feasibility, bull trout status and trend monitoring, etc.
Troubleshooting various field methodologies and equipment
Professional presentations and participation in meetings
Developing project oriented grant proposals
Assisting in developing technical comments on federally proposed actions
Participation in public outreach within the Tribal and local communities
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
-
Knowledge of the theories, principles, scientific methodologies, and techniques of
fisheries biology is required.
Previous fisheries field experience (preferably working alone or in small teams in
backcountry conditions) is required.
Ability to analyze and interpret data from studies and management programs in a
statistically rigorous manner is required.
Ability to design, conduct, and evaluate biological conservation activities and other
management techniques is required.
Ability to coordinate seasonal technician staff to complete a variety of field data
collection simultaneously is required.
Practical experience with any of the following are preferred: PIT tag array installation
and maintenance, weir operation and maintenance, and/or electrofishing surveys.
Ability to creatively problem solve and troubleshoot is required.
Previous technical writing experience is required.
Knowledge of resident trout life history and ecology is required.
Previous experience working cooperatively with state and federal agencies is preferred.
Willingness to be involved in all facets of a Fisheries Program is required.
Willingness to work as a member of a team is required.
Experience living in remote areas and a desire to live in a small community in Southeast
Oregon is preferred.
Willingness to step outside of position and occasionally provide support to other projects
in the Natural Resources Department when need arises is a requirement of this position.
Physical ability to work in rugged, remote terrain in often adverse weather conditions is
required.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings is
required.
Incumbent Must Be:
- Able to work with a diverse group of individuals
- Physically fit to perform the duties of field work
- Able to pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Able to pass drug screening at random throughout tenure
- Willing to travel and camp in the field
- Able to pass a criminal background check
- A responsible driver with a valid driver’s license and prudent driving record
Compensation
Starting salary range $37,642 to $41,688. This position includes accrual of sick and vacation
leave, medical and retirement benefits. Housing is not offered with this position.
Indian Preference:
Indian preference will be given to candidates showing proof of enrollment in a federally
recognized tribe. With the exception of Indian preference, all applicants will receive full
consideration without regard to race, sex, political preferences, sexual orientation, age, religion
or national origin.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be
performed by the individual assigned to this position.
To apply:
This position is open until Monday, June 24, 2013. Please submit résumé, cover letter and three
references to:
Kerry Opie
Burns Paiute Tribe Human Resources Dept.
100 Pasigo Street
Burns, OR 97720
Application materials can be emailed to kerry.opie@burnspaiute-nsn.gov or faxed to (541) 5735565. Note: Our department is not responsible for illegible or misprinted fax copies.
Interviews will be conducted in person at the Burns Paiute Tribe Natural Resources Department
in Burns, OR. Accommodations for phone interviews may be made. All eligible and interested
candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of ability to interview in person.
Questions about the position can be directed to Erica Maltz, Fisheries Program Manager, at 541573-8088 or via email at maltzem@burnspaiute-nsn.gov.