Fisheries Scientist

Looking for a rewarding career that offers opportunities to use science, technology, innovation, strategic thought and planning? Do you enjoy negotiation, working in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders to problem-solve and ensure that compliance and natural resource stewardship requirements are achieved in a biologically sound and cost-effective manner? If so, you may be a great fit for our Fisheries Scientist opportunity here at Grant PUD!

Besides supporting a healthy life/work balance, Grant PUD offers a best-in-class education reimbursement program, low-cost health plans, a pension, and two retirement plans!

Under limited supervision, this position supports various initiatives within Grant PUD by providing scientific, strategic, decision-making, communication, leadership, and negotiation guidance. Assists in the development and implementation of innovative approaches to meet financial and budgetary metrics of Grant PUD.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties, which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Responsible for and/or supports the development of cost effective and environmentally compliant fish and wildlife management programs; provide biological and technical expertise to assist the PUD; communicate, review, and provide a high-level of knowledge on scientific methods needed to keep Grant PUD compliant with environmental stewardship responsibilities.

Requires extensive knowledge of scientific research methodology, and broad knowledge of Columbia River fish, wildlife, and water quality issues. Working knowledge of water quality, biometrics, and sampling techniques as well as experience with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to fish, wildlife, water quality and related environmental sciences including ESA, NEPA, FERC relicensing, and Clean Water Act.

Assist and support the conducting of analyses and preparing regulatory documents and reports; demonstrates keen knowledge of requirements under the Biological Opinions, Salmon and Steelhead Settlement Agreement, Hanford Reach Agreement, resident fish, terrestrial and botanical resources, and the 401 certification for the Priest Rapids Project; provides knowledge regarding water quality programs and mitigation programs.

Collaborate between agencies, committees, PUDs, and groups; provide technical knowledge, communication, analysis, and evaluation to ensure work is completed professionally; provide support to dam operations/power production to ensure compliance with license and statutory requirements; consult with Division Managers regularly regarding planning, compliance and operations.

Provide project management support to various projects both long and short term affecting the District and the Fish, Wildlife and Water Quality programs; assist in the direction of utility operations and demonstrate leadership to ensure projects remain compliant, within budgetary constraints, and least impacting to the surrounding terrestrial life.

Communicate with people in diverse job classes and with peers in regulatory agencies; express self in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner when providing reports; apply expertise in the biological sciences, statistics, hydrology, water quality, strategy, mitigation, and enhancement programs; attend training and perform field work when needed.

Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. . The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.

Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures.

Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or related field. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in hydroelectric environmental issues, which includes experience with anadromous salmonids and resident fish species and the effects of hydroelectric generation on aquatic resources, wildlife, and water quality. An advanced degree (Master in Science) in fisheries resources or related Environmental Sciences is preferred.

Knowledge of – understanding of water hydraulics; strong knowledge of fish passage and fish protection facilities at dams; highly developed understanding of scientific sampling methodology and literature; broad knowledge of Columbia River fish, wildlife, and water quality issues; working knowledge of fish culture, wildlife, botanical, water quality, biometrics, and sampling techniques; experience with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to fisheries and related environmental sciences including ESA, NEPA, FERC relicensing, and CWA; FERC agreements and license orders, the Federal Power Act and NW Power Act.

Skill in – statistics; strong computer skills; project management methods, utility operations and understanding of issues affecting the FCRPS and other Northwest projects; strong and effective communication; communicating effectively with people in diverse job classes and particularly with peers in regulatory agencies; expressing self in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner when providing reports to diverse audiences; being imaginative and resourceful in high-pressure situations and under adverse working conditions; using good judgment, being adaptable and flexible, and maintaining a positive, and highly motivated attitude; exercising leadership in all circumstances.

A valid State driver’s license is required.

Majority of work is performed in a standard office setting with occasional fieldwork. Expected to travel frequently including regional overnight travel.