Nez Perce Tribe
Department of Fisheries and Resources Management
Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program
AINS Staff
Meet our team members...
Clark Watry
Program Lead
With almost 30 years of experience, Mr. Watry has a diverse background conducting fisheries research and monitoring in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Clark earned a B.S. in Fisheries from the University of Montana and a M.S. in Fisheries Resources
Management from the University of Idaho. Mr. Watry started working for the DFRM Research Division in 2016. In 2024, he was tasked with developing the Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program. Clark is an avid conservationist and spends his free time outdoors enjoying nature while fishing, rafting, skiing, and hiking with his family and their two dogs.
Samantha Smith
Outreach Coordinator
Ms. Smith is a Nez Perce enrolled tribal member who started with the DFRM as a college intern in 2011. Since then, Samantha worked for DFRM as a fisheries technician in Joseph, OR and McCall, ID and worked her way up to a Data Management
Biologist. Samantha graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Psychology in 2018. Over the years, Ms. Smith was able to pursue passion projects with education and outreach for the Research Division, and in 2025 she was tasked with leading the Tribal Intern program. Samantha is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and development pathways for tribal and non-tribal youth, students, and early career professionals in natural resource fields and STEM disciplines.
Anthony Capetillo Sr.
Invasive Species Research Biologist
Mr. Capetillo is an enrolled Nez Perce tribal member and proudly represents the NiMiiPuu community and culture. Anthony obtained a B.S. in Native Environmental Science with a focus on Nez Perce Fisheries Operations & Aquatic Invasive Species from Northwest Indian College in 2021 and was the co-author on the proposal which was successful in securing BIA funds to establish the Nez Perce tribe's Aquatic Invasive
& Nuisance Species (AINS) Program. Anthony started working for the DFRM in 2012 working on rotary screw traps and doing chinook spawning ground surveys as he bounced around various projects out of the Joseph, McCall, Orofino, & Sweetwater Nez Perce Fisheries Offices where he gained his vast experience and a deeper appreciation for the cultural resources his family and community rely upon. In 2021 after obtaining his degree, he joined the Research Division as the Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Research Biologist where he began sharing an indigenous perspective on AINS impacts on NiMiiPuu culture and traditional practices. Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and sharing various aspects of NiMiiPuu culture and practices with his children as they connect and grow with their surrounding environment.
Vacant
Invasive Species Biologist
Recruitment closed, position to be filled soon...
Vacant
Invasive Species Biologist - Canine Handler
Candidate screening to begin Feb 2026, stay tuned for updates...
Vacant
Conservation Canine
Candidate screening to begin Feb 2026, stay tuned for updates...