Fisheries Biologist II

Full-time - Senior
Bellingham, WA

Lummi Nation

Posted On: Jul-08-2019 NOT APUBLISHED YET
Status: This Job is Closed
Salary
$21.82-$24.44 per hour
Details

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Stock Assessment Manager, the Fisheries Biologist II is a field team leader, responsible for ensuring compliance with established field survey protocols, maintaining field data quality control and managing extensive data sets. This professional level position will participate in program and grant planning, administration and reporting while providing technical assistance and support for the management of treaty reserved fishery resources within the adjudicated fishing areas of the Lummi Nation. This position will be assigned to various fisheries field projects including juvenile salmon sampling with smolt traps and beach seines, and adult salmon returns via radio telemetry, hydro acoustics and spawning ground surveys.

The incumbent must be a responsible and independent worker who is highly organized, possess strong leadership qualities, problem solving and communication skills. The Fish Bio II must have the ability to adapt to new technologies including use of electronic notebooks for data entry in the field and transfer to appropriate databases.

Work schedules will vary and include working nights and on weekends as the field project requires. Sometimes involves adverse weather conditions and may require physical stamina. Position is funded through existing external grants and continued participation is dependent on available funding.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following, and other related duties as assigned.

  • Field Work
    • Comply with existing field sampling protocols for stock assessment projects (e.g. operating an in-river screw trap to assess outmigration of juvenile salmon and conducting spawning ground surveys to assess adult escapements);
    • Train and oversee field technicians on proper sampling protocols;
    • Ensure field equipment is organized and maintained in good working order; troubleshoot equipment issues and initiate repairs;
    • Collect and preserve biological samples (scales, otoliths, tissue samples);
    • Safely operate small boats and motors; create a safe working environment by maintaining a high degree of safety awareness at all times;
    • Participate in the development and implementation of innovative field projects designed to assess various life history parameters of salmon in the Nooksack/Samish basin;
    • Assist in the development and implementation of PIT and radio tag studies;
  • Data Management, Analysis and Reporting
    • Accurately enter field data into electronic notebooks or field forms; review for errors and completeness and, if needed, take steps to improve compliance with existing data collection protocols;
    • Maintain an inventory of biological samples and laboratory results (scales, otoliths, tissue samples, CWTs);
    • Transfer field data into computer databases and/or spreadsheets; manage the data set;
    • Ensure that field data from previous sampling events is formatted and catalogued accurately;
    • Assist in the preparation of work products summarizing data collection and analysis, including stock specific estimates of spawning escapement, juvenile outmigration, forecasted adult returns and harvest;
    • Use GIS software to produce geospatial analyses and summaries of sampling efforts;
    • Coordinate with regional co-managers to plan sampling strategies and standardize survey methods and data collection protocols;
    • Coordinate with regional co-managers and the NWIFC about utilizing shared databases;
  • Fisheries Management, Administrative and Other Duties
    • Contribute to reviewing and revising regional salmon management and recovery plans;
    • Assist in development and implementation of weekly staff field assignments;
    • Assist with monitoring and documenting field crew work performance;
    • Assist in developing and preparing project proposal for grant funding;
    • Provide administrative support in setting up contracts with third parties;
    • Participate in reviewing and updating existing sampling methods;
    • Work with other LNR divisions to monitor and evaluate harvest, enhancement and habitat restoration projects;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degrees in Fisheries Science and 4 years professional level fisheries work experience
  • OR a Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science and 2 years professional level fisheries work experience
  • Completed college level courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Statistics
  • Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet eligibility requirements for tribal insurance.
  • Lummi/Native American/Veteran preference policy applies.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of salmon life histories and other finfish in Puget Sound, ability to identify juvenile and adult salmon by species
  • Work history demonstrating supervisory skills
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access)
  • Demonstrated ability in technical and report writing
  • Skilled with operation, maintenance, and repair of boats, motors, and fishing gear.
  • Experience involving fish tagging methods such as PIT tags and acoustic tags
  • Experience using riverine sonar, remote sensing (including drones), and electronic fish counting devices
  • Experience involving electronic field data collection, data downloading, and data management
  • Experience involving data management, data analysis, and statistical analysis
  • Experience and working knowledge of GIS software

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol test to be eligible for and maintain employment, as required by the LIBC Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.
  • Position requires extensive Criminal Background Check.
  • Must be physically ability to walk 3-5 miles per day over rough terrain, cross swift rivers, and carry equipment weighing 50 pounds.
  • Must have verifiable work experience on field projects and where responsible for field data collection and management.
  • Submit all post-secondary academic transcripts

TO APPLY:

To obtain a Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) application go to: https://www.lumminsn.gov/Website.php?PageID=381 or request by e-mail libchr@lummi-nsn.gov For more information contact the HR front desk (360) 312-2023. Submit LIBC application, cover letter, resume & reference letters no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date listed above. If listing degrees or certifications include copies. Mailing Address: 2665 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Human Resource Fax number: 360-380-6991.