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Field and Laboratory Coordinator

Henry's Fork Foundation
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Field and Laboratory Coordinator 

The Henry’s Fork Foundation (HFF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve the unique fisheries and aesthetic qualities of the Henry’s Fork Snake River watershed. We are a purpose-driven organization that uses science-based collaboration with varied partners to achieve our mission. We value empathy, teamwork, ambitious and creative ideas, and a desire to learn, grow, and excel. The Science and Technology team of six has served an average of over 8 years each with HFF, and we are looking to invest in the potential of our next long-serving teammate, in the position of Field and Laboratory Coordinator. 

Position Summary 

The Field and Laboratory Coordinator conducts the majority of HFF’s field and laboratory work, including operation and maintenance of in-situ instruments and data transmission equipment, water sampling and analysis, and operation and maintenance of fish ladders and livestock fencing. 

Reports to: Science and Technology Department Director. 

Status: Full-time, permanent, with professional advancement opportunities. 

Salary: Starting $43,000–$53,000/year DOE; benefits include health insurance, simple IRA, vacation and sick leave. 

Start date: Negotiable, but no later than June 30, 2025. 

Location: Position is in-person, based at HFF’s physical campus in Ashton, Idaho. HFF’s field area is currently the Henry’s Fork watershed (including the Teton River) and the South Fork Snake River from Palisades Dam downstream to the Henry’s Fork confluence. Projects planned for 2025–2027 will include field work in the Snake River headwaters upstream of Palisades Reservoir in Wyoming.

Work allocation: Variable, by season: 4–5 days per week in the field and/or laboratory from late March through early November; 2–3 days per week in the field and/or laboratory during the remainder of the year. Remaining time will be spent on other tasks, some of which may be done remotely. Workload will average 40 hours per week but could exceed 8 hours in a day and may include evenings and weekends. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Maintain HFF’s network of in-situ instruments and data transmission equipment (45%). 
    • Install, calibrate, and repair/replace water-quality sondes, water temperature loggers, and pressure transducers in streams, canals, and lakes/reservoirs. 
    • Install, calibrate, and repair/replace weather stations in environments ranging from the office building roof to remote, high-elevation locations. 
    • Maintain solar panels, batteries, chargers, dataloggers, modems and other equipment needed to power instruments and transmit data from remote locations. 
  • Collect and process data, and monitor conservation infrastructure (35%). 
    • Collect weekly water samples, and analyze turbidity and suspended sediment in HFF’s lab. 
    • Measure streamflow using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and flow-meter methods. 
    • Collect aquatic macroinvertebrate samples with Hess samplers. 
    • Conduct lake and reservoir sampling, including but not limited to water-quality profiles, water samples, and secchi disk readings using a boat, sonde, and other sampling tools. 
    • Seasonally operate a fish ladder trap; identify and measure all fish captured in the trap. 
    • Conduct fish sampling using electrofishing, snorkeling, and other methods. 
    • Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair other fish passage infrastructure and livestock fencing. 
    • Conduct recreational use surveys, using manual and remote count methods and interviews. 
    • Download, record, enter, and archive data. 
  • Organizational development and teamwork (20%) 
    • Participate in regular staff development, training and planning activities. 
    • Attend HFF fundraising and member events, as appropriate. 
    • Work with other HFF Science and Technology staff and supervise interns, seasonal technicians, and volunteers in conducting field, laboratory and data entry tasks. 
    • Develop skills and interests in other areas such as those listed in Additional Qualifications. 

Minimum Qualifications and Experience 

  • Physical ability to perform the job duties, including wading in rivers and lifting 50 pounds. 
  • Ability to work safely and confidently alone or in small groups in adverse field conditions: high elevations, winter weather, thunderstorms, large water bodies, canals, and swift rivers. 
  • Ability to document field activities thoroughly and communicate these clearly to other staff. 
  • Ability to plan and organize field activities efficiently, including preparing for trips to minimize unnecessary travel and ensuring efficient use of time and resources. 
  • Driver’s license, good driving record, and confidence in driving in a variety of conditions including high-traffic two-lane highways, dirt/gravel forest roads, and winter weather. 
  • Experience with a variety of boats and applications, including rowing drift boats and rafts on small-to-medium-sized rivers, operating motorboats on lakes and reservoirs, trailering and launching/landing boats in rivers and lakes, and responding safely to unexpected situations. 
  • Ability to swim, cross-country ski, and snowmobile. Knowledge of safe snow, water, and winter travel. 
  • CPR and first aid certification within the first six months of employment. 
  • Ability to use or quickly learn MS Word, MS Excel, Google apps (calendar, docs, sheets), Dropbox, presentation software, and videoconferencing apps (Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet). 

Additional Qualifications 

Experience with or ability to learn and apply at least two of the following skills: 

  • GIS/spatial analysis 
  • IT, computer programming in R and RShiny, data analysis in R 
  • Mechanical and electrical, construction, auto and small engine repair 
  • Facility maintenance (e.g., snow removal) 
  • K–12 education 
  • Science writing and communications (technical and lay audiences) 
  • Photography and videography 
  • Graphic design and illustration 
  • Environmental, land-use, and natural-resources regulation and administration 

To Apply

Send a cover letter (up to two pages) and resumé (including three references) to Rob Van Kirk, HFF Science and Technology Director, via email at rob@henrysfork.org. The cover letter should demonstrate how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, will work within the values of the HFF team, and will meet two of the additional qualifications. Applications will be accepted through 10:00 a.m. MST on March 3, 2025. For more information, contact Rob Van Kirk at 208-652-3567 or rob@henrysfork.org.