POSITION: Fisheries & Outreach Specialist - Hatcheries & Harvest Division
JOB LOCATION: Plummer, ID
SUPERVISOR: Fisheries Biologist - Trout Ponds Project
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe's Fish and Wildlife Program is seeking applicants for a permanent, full-time Fisheries and Outreach Specialist to provide field, operational, educational, and community outreach support for the Trout Ponds Project and Education and Outreach program. The incumbent will assist with trout pond operations, fish transportation, salmon distribution and Tribal member harvest opportunities. Education and outreach through community events, school-based programming, and summer intern activities. The position requires an individual who is comfortable working in both field and educational settings and who can communicate effectively with Tribal members, youth, staff, and the general public.
Work performed will be under the direct supervision of the Fisheries Biologist - Trout Ponds Project and will be coordinated with Education and Outreach, Fish and Wildlife staff. Work assignments will vary seasonally based on fisheries operations, educational programming, community events, and departmental needs. The incumbent will be provided increasing latitude for independent field and outreach assignments as training, experience, and program familiarity are gained.
Must have strong oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with youth and adults in both education and field settings. The incumbent must be able to engage youth audiences, assist with hands-on learning activities, and clearly communicate instructions and information during community and Tribal member fisheries activities. Must be culturally sensitive to a diverse customer population, the general public and able to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members and all levels of Tribal staff and management. The incumbent should be familiar with the five core values of the Tribe and how those core values are expressed within the actions of the program and the duties of this position. Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Successful applicant will perform other duties as assigned to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the Natural Resources Department.
Summary of Duties and ResponsibilitiesFish & Wildlife - Trout Ponds Field Activities- Assist with trout stocking, pond operation, and routine maintenance of Tribal catch-out ponds.
- Assist with fish transportation and hatchery pickups, including preparation, loading, transport, stocking, and cleanup activities.
- Operate fish transport vehicles and assist with towing, backing, launching, and maneuvering trailers and boats and trained and assigned.
- Assist with routine inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pond aeration systems, pumps, fisheries equipment, vehicles, trailers, and program supplies.
- Assist with surplus salmon pickups, distribution events, fish handling, storage, and related community activities.
- Assist with implementation of Tribal member salmon and steelhead harvest opportunities, including boat operations, fishing equipment preparation, participant assistance, fish handling, and cleanup.
- Assist other fish management, monitoring, and field activities implemented by the Fish and Wildlife Program as needed.
Education and Outreach Activities- Assist Natural Resources Outreach staff with educational programming for youth, schools, Tribal members, and community audiences.
- Assist with teaching and leading hands-on activities and help maintain youth engagement during classroom, field, and community programs.
- Support smłich in the Classroom (SIC), the 'nik'wln (a place for fish to grow) Room, Water Potato activities, salmon celebrations, and other Natural Resources education and outreach events.
- Assist with preparation, setup, implementation, and cleanup for educational programs, fishing clinics, community events, and cultural activities.
- Provide day-to-day support, guidance, and field leadership to Natural Resources summer interns as assigned.
Program Support and Coordination- Prepare, organize, inventory, and maintain program tools, fishing equipment, safety gear, vehicles, trailers, and supplies.
- Assist with preparation for fisheries travel, stocking events, hatchery pickups, harvest opportunity trips, and Outreach activities.
- Assist with collection and organization of field, pond-use, program participation, and other project information as assigned.
- Coordinate with the Fisheries Biologist, Outreach staff, and other Natural resources staff to support program activities and events.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, organizing, and maintaining supplies and equipment necessary for Trout Ponds and related program activities.
- Participate in training necessary to safely operate boats, vehicles, trailers, fish transport equipment, tools, and other field equipment.
- Travel for fisheries and outreach activities as required, including early departures, extended field days, and overnight travel.
- Perform physical outdoor work in varying and inclement weather conditions and around ponds, rivers boats, fish, and field equipment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources Outreach programming.
Minimum Qualifying Education and Experience- Two-year degree in Natural Resources, Fisheries, Education, Outreach, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
- Relevant experience may include natural resources, fisheries, education/outreach, youth programming, equipment operation, or related work.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet Tribal vehicle insurance requirements.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, travel, work extended days, and stay overnight as required.
- Ability to effectively communicate and work with Tribal members, youth, coworkers, and the public.
Desired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related, education, outreach, or other related field. Relevant experience in natural resources, fisheries, education, outreach, or related work.
- Experience working with youth and community members.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with field equipment is preferred.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to teach, engage, and work effectively with youth and adult audiences.
- Ability to communicate effectively with Tribal members, program participants, coworkers, educators, youth, and the general public.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with, or willingness to learn, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of pond, aeration, fisheries, and transport equipment is desired.
- Experience operating boats, trucks, trailers, fish transport vehicles, and related field equipment is desired; must be willing and able to learn safe operation and maintenance of assigned equipment.
- Ability to work flexible hours to meet project objectives, including early mornings, extended field days, occasional evenings or weekends, travel, and overnight stays.
- Ability to perform physically demanding field work, handle fish and equipment, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to learn fish handling, transportation, stocking, harvest, and basic fisheries field procedures.
- Ability to work independently on routine field and outreach assignments after appropriate training and direction.
PLEASE NOTE:The duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the function.
An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether they meet minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of any employment position with the Tribe.
Pay Range: $45,387 - $61,405 per hour
