Barrier Assessment Technicians

Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.

Trout Unlimited is leading a multi-year extensive barrier assessment project in North-Central Idaho and is looking for energetic, hardworking, and motivated individuals to join our team in 2025. These positions will be focused on assessing road-stream crossings in the Clearwater Basin in Idaho to identify anadromous fish passage barriers for ESA-listed steelhead and sensitive species like spring and summer Chinook Salmon.

We are looking to fill 2 temporary positions, one technician and one lead technician with anticipated May 19th and August 18th start and end dates. The successful candidates will receive training and experience in assessing road-stream barriers, following standardized protocols, and using survey equipment. These are excellent positions for individuals who want to gain experience in ecological restoration.

The seasonal technicians are expected to work 40-hour weeks (with car camping) and require the ability to traverse difficult terrain while carrying field gear and supplies in all weather conditions. Successful applicants must be team-oriented and have a positive attitude. These positions will be based in Lewiston, Idaho, with travel and camping at multiple sites within approximately a 3-hour drive from Lewiston. A work truck will be provided for use in the field. The technicians are expected to provide their own camping equipment. The primary duties are listed below.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect and organize accurate data using survey tools like range finders, measuring devices, tablets, etc.
• Transport gear daily over sometimes difficult terrain 
• Work in a close-knit team with a high degree of coordination and communication 
• Keep a positive attitude, follow directions well and manage standardized protocols
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to TU supervisory staff 
• Perform all duties with safety as the top priority
• Maintain situational awareness and manage risk in a remote field environment
• Educate the public about project activities as needed
• Maintain a high level of integrity throughout the season

*The above is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities 

• Knowledge of hydrology, ecology, fish, riparian, botany and/or floodplain habitats 
• Strong communication skills and ability to converse with diverse personalities
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques
• Willing to work long days in challenging environments 
• A strong passion for native fish, wildlife, and watershed ecology
• A willingness to camp 
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives 
• Ability to keep an open mind, and take constructive feedback 
• A valid driver’s license

Preferred additional qualifications include one or more of the following: 

• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification/First Aid and CPR
• Previous fieldwork in remote environments 
• Experience using tablets and electronic survey forms (i.e. Field Maps and Survey 123)
• Proven ability to work well in teams

Salary and Benefits

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values https://www.tu.org/equity/.

Pay: Starting at $18.00/hour DOE. When camping, TU will cover camp grocery costs up to $130/week/person.