Quantitative Fisheries Biologist

JOB TITLE: Quantitative Fisheries Biologist
DEPARTMENT: Swinomish Tribe – Fisheries

POSITION SUMMARY: The Quantitative Fisheries Biologist is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position reporting directly to the Fisheries Manager. The Quantitative Fisheries Biologist will work for the Tribe as the lead biometrician as well as work directly with the Shellfish Harvest Management Biologist to advise tribal fisheries policy by conveying technical fisheries information to decision-making authorities within Swinomish. They will also serve as the lead shrimp biologist and the sea cucumber and sea urchin biologist and manager. They will apply the best available science, as well as knowledge of fisheries policy needs, to primarily aid in the management of shellfish fisheries within the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing areas. The position will also utilize fisheries sampling and research to assist and improve management of shellfish.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as lead statistician for the Fisheries Department Shellfish Team and assist Finfish Program when necessary
  • Utilize the appropriate statistics (Bayesian, multivariate statistics, GLMs, etc.) to answer numerous biological and ecological questions related to crab, shrimp, clams, oysters, sea urchin, sea cucumber, geoduck, and occasionally salmon
  • Co-author technical reports and peer reviewed manuscripts on results
• Serve as the lead shrimp biologist
  • Work closely with the Fisheries Manager, Fish and Game Commission, and Shellfish Harvest Management Biologist to determine data needs for the Tribe
  • Design and implement research programs to address these needs
• Serve as lead sea urchin and sea cucumber manager and biologist
  • Prepare, write, file, and coordinate harvest management plans, agreements, and regulations in cooperation with state, tribal, and regional biologists and managers
  • Summarize draft management plans and proposed edits/changes to the Fisheries Manager, including the potential impacts of any edits/changes to the management plan
  • Participate in and inform policy level discussions/negotiations between fisheries managers
  • Participate in technical discussions among shellfish biologists
  • Relay additional comments/edits made by Swinomish to any harvest plans, agreements, or regulations back to co-managers as directed by the Fisheries Manager
  • Work with tribal attorneys, Swinomish Fisheries Enforcement, and Swinomish management to effectively and sensibly update fishing regulations
  • Work with the Fisheries Administrative Assistant to notify fishermen of regulations, schedules, and in-season adjustments.
  • Coordinate with Fisheries Enforcement to identify enforcement needs and address issues
  • Solicit technical input from shellfish biologists as needed
  • Co-develop surveys and either (1) if research diver, lead dive surveys or (2) if not research diver, work with shellfish biologists to complete surveys
• Serve as stand-in for the Shellfish Harvest Management Biologist or Shellfish Biologist as needed for crab, shrimp, intertidal clams, and geoduck
• Coordinate with the Senior Shellfish Biologist and Shellfish Harvest Management Biologist to ensure research meets management objectives
• Participate in regional conferences and meetings, including presenting research
• Be an active member of the Fisheries Department, particularly the Shellfish Team, including working with team members that focus on research and restoration of the Tribe’s shellfish resources
• Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master of Science degree in a marine biology, fisheries, biological statistics, environmental science, or other related field OR a Bachelor’s of Science in biology, marine biology, fisheries, environmental science or other related science and four years of experience working in fisheries biology or biological statistics
• Publication record
• Experienced with R, Python, or other software that can be utilized to complete robust multivariate analyses
• Experience utilizing and managing databases
• Expert with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word
• Self-starter capable of independent work with minimal guidance but also someone who enjoys team work
• Knowledge and experience in commercial fishing practices and principles of harvest management and statistics
• Must have valid Washington state driver’s license or be able to obtain one if offered the job

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Sensitive to American Indian culture, customs, and traditions
• Will work on behalf of Swinomish interests to sustainably manage all fisheries within the Salish Sea
• Genuine interest in furthering effective and sustainable fisheries management practices for all shellfish and finfish within the Salish Sea
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate (even under pressure) project components to both a technical and general public audience
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented attitude in occasionally challenging and often stressful situations
• Experience writing and publishing reports and manuscripts. Must also be able to interpret the literature and apply the best available science to fisheries management applications and study design.
• Commit to working on scheduled field days, including occasional work on weekends, evenings, or at odd hours, sometimes in inclement weather
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently in both field and office settings
• Be physically fit and able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces carrying heavy (up to 40 lbs) equipment in order to assist with various surveys when needed

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with shellfish species in inland Washington waters
• Familiarity with fisheries co-management structure within the State of Washington
• AAUS scientific diver or Rescue Diver certification and significant cold water drysuit diving experience
• Familiarity with nautical charts and basic understanding of waterways of Washington
• Experience with small craft operation
• Comfortable working on boats, including small commercial fishing vessels and working with and around commercial fishing equipment
• Current first aid, CPR, DAN O2 certifications (or willingness to obtain certification if offered job)

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TIME COMMITMENT

• Work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday (8 hour days). This is a full-time position
• The position requires the ability and willingness to work professional hours outside the standard work schedule in order to accomplish work objectives, including travel for work in evenings and occasional weekend or weeknight work. Work schedules will comply with non-standard work hour guidelines. The Quantitative Fisheries Biologist will frequently use independent judgment to ensure efficient accomplishment of work tasks.
• Considerable time may be spent at a computer work station in the performance of tasks
• Field work may be performed under physically stressful conditions and may involve extended periods of sitting, standing or walking
• Work outdoors in inclement weather-including rain, snow, wind, severe heat, and darkness
• Walk long distances (> 1 mile) over uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces carrying heavy buckets or other equipment
• Lift and/or move 40 pounds
• Walk, stand, sit, crawl, kneel, climb, and stoop for long periods (up to several hours)
• Operate vehicles safely in field situations and on highway

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
The Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community apply to all employees. The position of Fisheries Technician III is considered to be a non-exempt “non-standard hour” position. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening. This position does not involve regular contact with or control over children and is not a Testing Designated Position subject to random testing under the Tribe’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy. If the position involves regular contact with or control over children or elders, then a successful applicant must also meet minimum standards of character based on an extended criminal background check.

TRIBAL PREFERENCE
Indian Preference in hiring shall apply to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community job opportunities. Employees working with vulnerable populations will be required to submit to drug and alcohol screening as needed.

OTHER INFORMATION

• A resume, cover letter, and Tribal application form are all required to apply
• Salary range starts at $75,000 a year
• Full benefits include health, dental, vision and retirement

Initial review of applicants will occur on 1/19/2025 and then the position will be open until filled.