Fisheries Biologist (NPS, Olympic National Park)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Olympic National Park, is recruiting one (1) Fisheries Biologist. The selected candidate will work closely with the park’s Chief Fisheries Biologist to implement monitoring programs to manage, protect, and restore native fish and aquatic species, as well as control invasive aquatic species, in Olympic National Park. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement the field components of several projects related to the protection and monitoring of fish populations and aquatic resources, as well as the control of invasive aquatic species, in Olympic National Park.
• Serve in a lead role for field data collection, logistical planning, quality control, data entry, data processing, data summaries, and will assist in the drafting of technical reports, serving as lead author when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the park’s Chief Fisheries Biologist on compliance actions, including contributing to development of environmental assessments (EAs) for projects implemented by the park or reviewing compliance documents, EAs or environmental impact statements prepared by other federal agencies or groups for impacts on park resources, making recommendations to the Chief Fisheries Biologist.
• Conduct public outreach for projects they are involved with, which may include public presentations, development of written materials for distribution, conducting field tours, or similar activities.

Additional Duties:

• Conduct monitoring of large river fish populations.
• Conduct spawner surveys in streams and rivers to estimate salmonid escapement in Olympic National Park.
• Participate in fish inventories.
• Conduct genetic sampling.
• Implement radiotelemetry studies.
• Conduct data entry and data management.
• Maintain field equipment.

Timeline: 

• 52 week appointment beginning immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:

This Fisheries Biologist position will be based out of Port Angeles, Washington, which is the headquarters to Olympic National Park. It is roughly two and one-half hours west of Seattle, and a ferry ride to Victoria, Canada. Opportunities for recreation abound.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Compensation: $24.35/hour

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Qualifications

Technical requirements:

• Must have experience working with Pacific salmonids and experience conducting snorkel surveys, electrofishing surveys, creel surveys, genetic sampling, radiotelemetry studies, and spawner surveys in Pacific Northwest rivers.
• Experience with fish marking, weir operations, operation of motorized and non-motorized boats, and flying in and working around fixed wing aircraft and/or helicopters is preferred.
• Experience working with federally endangered and threatened fish species, including bull trout, Puget Sound Chinook Salmon, and Puget Sound Steelhead.
• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries or aquatic sciences; preferably a Master of Science in fisheries.
• Familiarity and experience with standard fisheries management approaches and techniques, such as water quality sampling, fisheries fieldwork (e.g., snorkel surveys, minnow trapping), and the development of outreach material for fish and nonnative species.
• Comfort working in and around swift water, including wading and snorkeling.
• Familiarity with and interest in the ecology of aquatic habitat and associated resource management issues.
• Experience in collecting data accurately and completely and entering data correctly into a computer system.
• Ability to use GPS units to record and locate points and to record field data.
• Familiarity with using ArcGIS to create, import, and export maps and data.

Additional requirements: 

• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
• Ability to operate a motorized boat and drift boat or raft.
• Ability to snorkel in rivers.
• Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking up to 15 miles per day on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis.
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles; comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and camping outdoors for up to 10 days in a backcountry setting.
• Ability to work productively, consistently, and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals.
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities.
• Possess strong organizational skills.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: 

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

Notes: 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: 

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice