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Fishery Biologist 2- Geneticist

Employer
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Location
Eagle, Idaho, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Sep 17, 2021

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Genetics
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Position/Project Specifics:

This position will be located at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Eagle Fish Genetics Lab in Eagle, Idaho. Duties of this position will include conducting genetic laboratory analyses including SNP genotyping and RAD sequencing, performing Parentage Based Tagging and Genetic Stock Identification analyses, supervising the work of laboratory technicians, producing reports and peer reviewed publications of key scientific results, participating in inter-agency workgroups, and providing technical advice and reviews in the areas of genetics and conservation biology to Department biologists and managers.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

* A M.S. or Ph.D is preferred, in the field of molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, fishery biology, ecology and/or a related discipline. In addition, candidates must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:
* Extensive knowledge of the principles of population and molecular genetics and the principles and techniques of biological research. Ideal candidates will have specific research experience with genetic stock identification, and parentage analyses.
* Experience and ability to manage and analyze large datasets using standard software for population genetic analyses and programming languages such as R, Python, or perl. Strong programming skills in Python, R, or C/C++ and UNIX/LINUX system expertise is preferred.
* Knowledge and experience using bioinformatic pipelines to analyze high-throughput sequencing data.
* In-depth knowledge of current molecular genetic techniques (GTseq, RADseq, ddRAD, Poolseq, etc.), laboratory methods and equipment, including Illumina NextSeq, 7500 RT, or similar equipment.
* Ability to design and implement projects to collect genetic information, interpret its significance, analyze results and prepare accurate reports and peer-reviewed publications.
* Ability to supervise personnel and effectively manage laboratory operations.
* Working knowledge of administrative principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal control and personnel management.

Essential Functions: Included in this band are professional positions that perform recurring assignments ranging from moderate difficulty where conventional or straight-forward biological concerns are encountered to complex assignments where specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques are required. (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

At the lower end of the range, Fishery Biologists have a solid working knowledge of established scientific methods and techniques to perform recurring assignments of moderate difficulty. Methods and techniques are well established, apply to most situations, and do not require significant deviations. Resource planning reports generated by employees at this level involve conventional biological concerns. Reports generated may be short-range management plans or portions of annual work plans. Lower range work examples include:

* Following existing protocols for fish health screenings; conduct tissue sample collection, bacterial testing and analyses, blood collection and analyses, parasite identification, and necropsies on experimental fish populations. Recommend modifications of existing research protocols. Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data. Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.
* Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis. Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.
* Work with state, federal and regional fishery management councils to provide data on fisheries catch and effort and population trends as well as biology of fish species. Work with stock assessment biologists in relation to fisheries-specific data utilized in their stock assessments. Assist with database presentations of the data collected. Prepare reports and presentations as requested. Provide expertise in improvements to the design of creel surveys
* Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports. Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.
* Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.

At the upper end of the range, the Fishery Biologist has specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques of a complex area of fish biology sufficient to serve as a troubleshooter or specialist. The employee is competent to modify or adapt standard techniques, processes and procedures, and to assess, select, apply precedents and devise strategies and plans to overcome significant problems related to species production, protection, habitat restoration, or program management and evaluation. Planning reports generated by employees at this level assess the impact of various multi-faceted management or public practices on a resource. Upper range work examples include:

* Use biological information to evaluate run profiles and habitat suitability in stocked streams within a major geographical area. Develop comprehensive management plans to insure preservation, protection, and enhancement of habitats.
* Plan, design and implement research studies on fish health and/or nutrition. Analyze and report biological and/or genetic information affecting future selection, rearing, and spawning activities.
* Prepare both quarterly progress and annual reports on run status and hatchery or fish facility operations.
* Monitor and evaluate hatching, rearing and planting of fish. Evaluate and monitor adult return rates. Develop new rearing strategies.
* Prepare fish habitat measurement plans or management plans for a watershed or large geographic area.
* Diagnose various fish diseases or nutritional disorders in experimental populations or brood stock. Develop modifications to existing health protocols as well as experimental protocols.
* Write publishable reports of research and project findings.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

A M.S. or Ph.D is preferred, in the field of molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, fishery biology, ecology and/or a related discipline. In addition, candidates must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:

* Extensive knowledge of the principles of population and molecular genetics and the principles and techniques of biological research. Ideal candidates will have specific research experience with genetic stock identification, and parentage analyses.
* Experience and ability to manage and analyze large datasets using standard software for population genetic analyses and programming languages such as R, Python, or perl. Strong programming skills in Python, R, or C/C++ and UNIX/LINUX system expertise is preferred.
* Knowledge and experience using bioinformatic pipelines to analyze high-throughput sequencing data.
* In-depth knowledge of current molecular genetic techniques (GTseq, RADseq, ddRAD, Poolseq, etc.), laboratory methods and equipment, including Illumina NextSeq, 7500 RT, or similar equipment.
* Ability to design and implement projects to collect genetic information, interpret its significance, analyze results and prepare accurate reports and peer-reviewed publications.
* Ability to supervise personnel and effectively manage laboratory operations.
* Working knowledge of administrative principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal control and personnel management.
* Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications such as:
* word processing
* spreadsheets
* e-mail
* publishing software
* presentation software
* database software
* topographic software
* bibliographic software
* statistical analysis packages.
* Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
* Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

* valid driver's license
* specific software (spreadsheet, word processing, database management, GIS, statistical analysis, behavioral analysis, bibliographic)
* oral communication skills
* written communication skills

Physical Demands:

Demands generally range from sedentary to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, or extended periods of standing. Some Fishery Biologists in this range have rigorous physical demands where they must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing from 40 - 50 pounds, engage in long daily periods of hiking, camp out for extended periods, or maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in a laboratory setting which exposes the biologist to odors, chemicals, fish blood, and molds. The employee must use safety precautions including MSDS, gloves, hood, and eye protection. Some employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks or docks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences. In addition to the undergraduate degree requirement, candidates for positions at the lower end of the range must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience OR 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master's degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, in addition to the undergraduate course of study described above, candidates must also must present one year of Specialized Experience OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph. D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

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