Fisheries Geneticist

NORTHWEST INDIAN FISHERIES COMMISSION   nwifc.org

Position:        Fisheries Geneticist                        VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT        APPLY HERE

Salary:            This position is a 10/11/12 grade band on the NWIFC’s current pay scale. 
                       Starting annual salary is $82,842 – $96,377 DOQ

Location:        Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) Olympia, WA

Candidates must currently or plan to be located within a commutable distance from Olympia, WA for a hybrid work schedule.  Relocation assistance available.

Close Date:    July 6, 2026

Position Overview:
The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Fisheries Geneticist. This position plays an important role in providing technical support for Commission and tribal staffs in issues that involve genetics, including development, operation, and uses of hatchery programs; planning, implementation, monitoring, and research for hatchery activities; risk assessment; and mixed stock fishery analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services to NWIFC member Tribes for ESA, salmon recovery planning, and hatchery reform, including
• Development of performance objectives, operation plans, and monitoring plans for hatcheries
• Development and implementation of hatchery protocols.
• Provide direct services to the tribes by designing and conducting laboratory and statistical analyses for tribal genetic research and monitoring projects.
• Develop ideas and research proposals with the tribes on genetics and fish culture
• Assist Tribes with process of ESA compliance for hatchery programs.
• Assist in updating and expanding the co-managers species status assessments.
• Represent tribal views at regional and national meetings of geneticists and conservation biologists and in local technical work groups.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare reports in collaboration with tribal, state, and federal biologists, and present findings to technical forums.
• Provide technical assistance to member tribes on fisheries management and hatchery operation planning with a specific view toward broodstock management and genetic monitoring.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Masters of Science in genetics, fishery science, or related field
• Three years of pertinent work experience that includes
• Analysis and interpretation of molecular or biochemical population genetic data
• Quantitative genetics
• Aquaculture

(A Ph.D. may substitute for work experience)

• Experience or formal training in these areas
• Conservation biology
• Salmonid biology or ecology
• Experimental design and statistics
• Ability to communicate clearly, in writing and orally, to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong computer and data analysis skills
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to be covered by NWIFC auto and liability insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in genetics or fisheries.
• Specific experience with conservation genetics or hatchery operations.
• Laboratory experience with modern genetics techniques
• Familiarity with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and related processes of the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Prior work experience in population genetics or quantitative genetics.

 Why NWIFC?
Joining NWIFC means being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving the treaty tribes of Western Washington. Our work is guided by the member tribes’ commitment to protect natural resources for the next seven generations. We have a 50-year history of providing direct support to the treaty tribes.

This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. NWIFC shares the values of the tribal communities it serves, including prioritizing culture, and the preservation of traditions.

Application Process:
We encourage you to apply by completing the Application for Fisheries Geneticist. If you have any questions or need further assistance throughout the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR at lridgley@nwific.org. We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission operates under a PL 93-638 contract and applies an Indian Preference policy in employment.

We encourage all eligible individuals to apply.