Director of Fisheries

position Overview:

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) is seeking a full-time dedicated and knowledgeable Director of Fisheries to plan, direct and supervise the activities of the Fisheries Department’s staff. This includes fishery management and planning, enhancement services, fish health, quantitative services, and conservation planning. Our Director of Fisheries is responsible for the implementation of the U.S./Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty for the organization assuring that these functions support and promote tribes’ fishery management programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall policy assistance to tribes in the business of the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) and implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Coordinate staff support for policy and technical assistance to tribes in developing negotiating positions with Canada concerning Southern Panel, Fraser River Panel, and Chinook salmon issues. Participate on the PSC Commissioners Working Group and provide policy support to tribal participants in the PSC Process.
• Ensure the Fisheries Department’s programs are meeting member tribes’ needs for policy direction and coordination. Establish the Fisheries Department’s program priorities on an annual basis. Develop and conduct technical programs to implement Commission direction. Provide oversight of specific Fisheries Department’s programs to assure tribal and Commission policies are carried out. Coordinate with tribal fisheries programs to provide opportunities for tribes to exercise their treaty-reserved rights to harvest fish and shellfish.
• Integrate best available science with federal statutes and court orders. Coordinate the evaluation of alternative management options between the tribes and the state.
• Assist tribal and NWIFC staff in addressing policy and technical issues related to the implementation of resource and hatchery management plans, including development of salmon recovery plans and addressing compliance issues under the Endangered Species Act.
• Work closely with the Executive Director on development of policy issues for fisheries programs. Oversee development of the Fisheries Departments annual budgets and the recruitment, hiring and
  performance evaluations of the Department’s personnel. Assist in preparing annual and other periodic
  progress reports.
• Assist tribes in developing comprehensive fishery management plans including addressing issues related to mass marking and mark-selective fisheries

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Fisheries Science or related field and seven years of pertinent work experience, (or) Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science with eight years of pertinent work experience, or (or) an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform job responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of the Commission member tribes’ fisheries and their fisheries management programs.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and analytical methods used in fisheries management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to work collaboratively and productively in group settings and committee environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured by employer auto coverage

Why NWIFC?
Joining NWIFC means being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving the treaty tribes of Western Washington. Our work is guided by the member tribes’ commitment to protect natural resources for the next seven generations. We have a 50-year history of providing direct support to the treaty tribes.  
This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. NWIFC shares the values of the tribal communities it serves, including prioritizing culture, and the preservation of traditions.
We offer a robust benefits package including 401k, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD, Time off, Holidays and more.