Grand Marais Fisheries Specialist - Specialist Fisheries

Overview

The work you ll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and improving the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. This position exists to implement, evaluate, and report on fisheries management activities which result in the protection, enhancement, or maintenance of aquatic habitats and fisheries resources in the Grand Marais management area.

The Grand Marais Fisheries area encompasses the majority of Cook County in northeastern Minnesota, including over 750 lakes and 1200 miles of trout streams, many of which are in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Fisheries positions perform professional fisheries management work; implement a variety of professional and technical field management projects and activities; may function as project specialists on efforts devoted to fisheries management operations on a single major lake or river;

or function as a technical specialist within a region.

• Design, implementation and supervision of projects as well as:
  Assist with planning, implementation, and reporting of lake and stream investigations so scientific data is available for management, detect significant changes in the aquatic environment, and evaluate management issues.
• Assist with planning and coordinating angler creel and recreational use surveys, compile and analyze results, and present data in written reports to inform management decisions.
• Assist with fish propagation and distribution programs to meet stocking objectives and maintain healthy sport fisheries in public waters.
• Protect and improve fish and aquatic habitat in public waters to maintain or improve resources.
• Assist with special fish management projects to improve angling opportunities.
• Maintain and promote public relations to inform clienteles about fisheries management programs and aquatic resources issues.
• Assist with maintenance of equipment and facilities, ensure proper recordkeeping, and perform project and administrative duties for efficient work execution.
• Adhere to safety procedures and training to minimize injuries and equipment damage.

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. A Bachelor s Degree in biology, fisheries, fish and wildlife, or closely related area is required.

• Transcript Requirements:
  Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses (minimum 4 courses, 12 semester or 18 quarter hours; at least 2 related to fisheries science; at least 1 covering principles of fisheries science and management).
• Other biological sciences courses to total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
• Physical sciences courses: 15 semester or 23 quarter hours.
• Mathematics and statistics courses: 6 semester or 9 quarter hours, including college algebra and a statistics course.
• Communications courses: 9 semester or 13 quarter hours (with allowances for designated communications intensive courses).
• Credit for coursework requires letter grades of C- or higher. Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional may be accepted in lieu of required coursework.

Additional requirements include the ability to maintain and safely operate equipment (boats, motors, trailers, etc.), knowledge of fish sampling equipment and Fisheries Management Ecology, writing skills for managing plans and reports, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Computer literacy (databases, spreadsheets, word processing) is also required.

One year of directed field fisheries experience conducting resource surveys or fish habitat assessments. Strong communications, public relations, and presentation skills for diverse audiences. Knowledge and experience with fish culture, handling, transport, and stocking to sustain recreational fisheries. Experience with angler creel surveys, mark-recapture studies, stream surveys, habitat assessment, remote locations, GIS, large databases, statistics, and lead work…