Data Management Specialist 2- Lower Granite Dam Fish Monitoring Project

Position/Project Specifics:

The Data Management Specialist II (DMS II) is responsible for maintaining the data infrastructure that underlies the Lower Granite Dam anadromous fish monitoring program. The position ensures that data collected at the trap and in the field are accurately compiled, quality-controlled, and made available to biologists and analysts in a timely manner. The DMS II acts as the primary liaison between data collection systems (NOAA trap database, PTAGIS, Biosamples age lab, genetics lab) and the Nampa Research SQL Server database that serves as the program's central data repository. The position also maintains related SharePoint collaboration sites and supports regional data requests.

 

Project Description
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Nampa Research Station conducts monitoring of ESA-listed Snake River Chinook Salmon, steelhead, and Sockeye Salmon at Lower Granite Dam, the first dam encountered by adult fish returning from the ocean on the Snake River. The project integrates data from multiple sources including daily fish trap operations, PIT tag detection arrays, coded wire tags (CWT), genetic stock identification, and otolith/scale-based age determination. These data are used to estimate run abundance, productivity, and survival through statistical models, and the results are reported annually to state and federal fisheries management agencies. The research is conducted in coordination with NOAA Fisheries, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), and other regional partners. Data integrity and timely management of the multiple interrelated databases that support this program are essential to its scientific and regulatory functions.

 

Main Day-to-Day Tasks and Duties and Approximate time allocations:

• Database monitoring and maintenance (~30%): Monitor automated daily append of trap data to the LGDTrapping database; troubleshoot pipeline failures; coordinate with PSMFC, federal, and state partners as needed.
• Biosamples queue management (~20%): Monitor the age lab upload queue; append new biosample records and age determinations to the Biosamples database; ensure timely linkage of scale ages to trap database records.
• Quality control (~15%): Conduct monthly QC of trapping database records; identify and resolve duplicate sample numbers and other common errors.
• Seasonal data preparation (~10%): Prepare in-season PIT tag analysis spreadsheets for various anadromous species in coordination with project biologists; upload juvenile fish bypass data, temperature logger data, and trap operations records on a seasonal schedule.
• CWT coordination (~10%): Prepare collection kits for coded wire tag sampling; coordinate snout collection and return with hatchery partners; manage snout sample inventory; extract, read, and record CWTs from snout samples; upload CWT recoveries to Regional Mark Information System (RMIS).
• SharePoint administration (~5%): Manage membership and content for multiple SharePoint collaboration sites supporting the Nampa Research program.
• Data requests and miscellaneous (~10%): Respond to internal and external data requests; maintain PTAGIS subscriptions; assist with server backups and file server maintenance. Field survey opportunities (e.g., redd surveys) are available on a voluntary basis.

Lead / Supervisory Responsibilities
The DMS II does not directly supervise staff but works semi-independently and coordinates with a broad group of internal and external collaborators including project biologists, age lab staff, geneticists, NOAA personnel, and PSMFC contacts. The position requires the ability to prioritize competing tasks with minimal oversight and to proactively communicate data pipeline issues to the supervising biologist.

 

Additional Skills (Mandatory: M/Desirable: D)
· Proficiency in SQL or a relational database platform (e.g., MS SQL Server, Access) M
· Proficiency in R or Python M
· Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent deadlines M
· Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity M
· Effective written and verbal communication with diverse technical collaborators M
· Experience with automated data pipelines or scheduled database jobs D
· Experience with R Markdown or other reproducible reporting tools D
· Familiarity with PTAGIS, RMIS, or other Pacific salmon data systems D
· Microsoft SharePoint site administration D
· Exper