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Data Management Specialist 2- Lower Granite Dam Fish Monitoring Project
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Data Science
Tysons, VA, USA
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
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
· Experience with fisheries or ecological field data D
· Familiarity with otolith and scale-based age determination workflows D
· Familiarity with federal and state anadromous fish monitoring programs, including ESA-listed Snake River populations D
· Experience with salmonid redd surveys or other anadromous fish field monitoring methods D
Essential Functions: (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, Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences):
- Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.
- Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
- Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
- Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
- Perform a variety of tasks related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that may include map preparation, geo-referencing biological and habitat data, maintaining location information tables, editing and updating hydrography GIS coverages, and maintaining metadata for data sets and GIS coverages.
- Train technical and general users in the use of database applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.
- Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.
- Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications using standardized retrieval scripts.
At the upper end of the range, employees:
- Develop and implement databases and libraries. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required.
- Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools. This involves the master-level use of database retrieval scripts.
- Document data handling and reporting to ensure consistency and validity of data between and within sites. Files may come from sources that use different computer hardware, software systems/protocols, and different communication packages.
- Maintain and update data catalogs, data catalog directories, and metadata.
- Perform system maintenance and backups. This includes routine database checkpoints, checkpoint verification, tuning, data-process merges, and user account management. Restore files when required.
- Perform Help Desk functions, responding to on-line user inquiries about access to the database and data retrievals, the execution of query scripts, and standard report programs.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
The employee must have knowledge of:
- natural sciences
- computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
- data management concepts, principles, and methods
- quality assurance principles
- technical documentation methods and procedures
- analytical methods and common query languages
- the organization's data sets
sufficient to: input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users. This knowledge allows the employee to assess the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.
Physical Demands:
The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, etc. that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress.
Work Environment:
The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.