Fish Habitat Biologist II (Hydraulic Officer)

Location: Quinault Division of Natural Resources – Taholah, WA

Salary and Benefits: Salary is $65,892 per year + benefits package that includes full health & dental insurance (with no employee premium), 401k w/match, generous vacation & sick leave, 18 paid holidays, and moving expense reimbursement. Limited remote work is allowed.

Employment Status: Full time, Permanent

Closing Date: Open until filled, will review first round of applications on May 15th

General Description: The Fish Habitat Biologist II (Hydraulic Officer) position is expected to monitor all activities occurring within 200’ of any water body within the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) and will participate in restoration and/or monitoring activities related to salmon habitat needs. This position participates in the implementation of the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) Forest Management Plan, a document which provides the direction and technical specifications by which forest management activities are performed on the QIR. The Fish Habitat Biologist will work closely across disciplines to communicate technical expertise to the Nation and all employees therein concerning fish habitat. The Fish Habitat Biologist participates in all Interdisciplinary Team processes for on-reservation timber sale projects. This work includes reviewing Hydraulic Project Applications and issuing Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPA) for projects as required by QIN laws and policies, and monitoring compliance with said permits and issue violations if necessary. This position works closely with other staff to recommend and/or implement monitoring or restoration projects associated with salmon and their habitat.

Primary Functions:

• Issue Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPAs) for projects as required by QIN laws and policies; monitor compliance during in-water work activities as well as after activities are completed; track HPAs to assist other staff in knowing where permitted activity is occurring; close out HPAs for completed projects
• Participate as required in the implementation of the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) Forest Management Plan, including participating in the Interdisciplinary Team process for on-Reservation timber sale development
• Participate in Interdisciplinary Team Reviews to evaluate the potential impact of a proposed action. Identify and assess impacts of management activities on the Nation’s fish resources.
• Interpret collected data; formulate recommendations for proper management of fish resources; recommend and implement fish habitat improvement, restoration, and/or monitoring projects
• Provide necessary technical expertise to QIN Forestry and other QIN staff, or citizens (e.g. identifying streams as fish-bearing or non-fish-bearing streams)
• Provide consultation/technical expertise to the Environmental Protection Manager, Division Director and the Quinault Indian Nation Business Committee (QBC) as required
• Maintain necessary files and databases
• Monitor results of forest practice activities and evaluate effectiveness of applicable forest practice rules and regulations

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field. A minimum of 3 years of applicable professional experience. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for 2 years of the required experience.

Knowledge of Pacific salmon biology and habitat requirements, habitat restoration principles for aquatic habitat, effects of timber management on fish and its habitat, and standard fish habitat sampling methodologies. Knowledge and skills in GIS, technical writing, principles of hydrology, and monitoring in-water construction work is preferred. This position requires good relationship building and communication skills with project partners.

The successful candidate must be able to pass a drug screening; hold or have the ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license and have and maintain the ability to be insured under QIN automobile insurance. Candidates must have the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and rugged terrain.