Stream Fish Biologist Job ID 82327

Job Summary

The incumbent will lead field crews conducting electrofishing surveys, habitat assessment, and water quality monitoring to assess the condition of Minnesota streams. The incumbent will lead a crew of 1-4 students to sample approximately 50 sites per year for fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat measurements, stream channel condition, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality of Minnesota’s streams; the incumbent will lead a crew in order to recon stream sampling stations including obtaining landowner permission. The incumbent will help maintain field equipment, train seasonal field employees, and accurately record monitoring data in the field. The incumbent will assure that all data for the watershed they lead is entered and quality assured, and will lead the analysis and reporting on their lead watersheds. They will participate in pre-assessment data evaluation and analysis and are responsible for assessing the biological condition of streams and rivers using fish community data. Watershed sampling plans will be developed with internal and external partners, including preparing of materials for presentation or for local partner use to assist in the restoration and protection of Minnesota’s waterbodies. The incumbent will coordinate unit activities related to accurate water chemistry data storage, conduct biological effluent reviews when requests fall in their lead watersheds, and complete permit applications and reports for the biological monitoring program. 

The incumbent will travel Monday through Thursday across Minnesota leading fish survey crews in travel status. The field schedule starts in May and continues through early October, typically on a week on, week off basis in travel status. While traveling for fieldwork, meals and hotel stays are paid for by the state. State vehicles and equipment are provided.
 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field 

OR 

Two (2) years of environmental protection experience, 

AND 

Pass a fish identification test consisting of regional fishes of the Midwest. 

Possess good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members. 

Ability to take direction, follow standard operating procedures, and independently complete assignments in a timely manner. 

Obtain certification in trailering and boating within one month of the administered mandatory training - on the job training will be provided. 

Possess a valid Driver’s license (see additional requirements). 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Field experience in fish community sampling methods, habitat assessment methods, and water chemistry sampling 

A working understanding of how indices of biological integrity are developed and calculated. 

Specific knowledge of Upper Midwest stream fish ecology, non-gamefish identification, and life history traits. 

Familiarity with the use of database management tools for storage and manipulation of monitoring data. 

Experience and/or course work using Survey123, GIS, Electronic data capture applications and GPS equipment. 

Ability to effectively summarize scientific data in figures, graphs, and tables for technical reports. 

Leadership experience in prior work, civic, or school projects. 

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with representatives of other government agencies and regulate parties. 

Effective team working skills.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This may include loading/unloading vehicles and boats with field equipment, carrying monitoring equipment to sites, launching boats, or portaging canoes. Frequently may need to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds in the water or over land while wearing waders. Capable of moderate physical exertion in summer heat and sun.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver's license record check. Requires a Class D driver's license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups, and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.