Fishery Biologist 3- Klamath Quantitative Ecologist

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist the U.S. Geological Survey as a Quantitative Fishery Ecologist at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory. We are seeking a modeler with demonstrated quantitative skills to work collaboratively with NOAA Fisheries, USGS California Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and WFRC’s Quantitative Ecology Team. This is a full-year, full-time benefits-eligible position with a projected start date of June 1st, 2026. 

The incumbent will apply and further develop the Klamath River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3), a dynamic population model that simulates growth, movement, and survival of juvenile salmon during their freshwater residency. Specifically, S3 will be used to evaluate alternative water management scenarios to inform actions and regulatory analyses related to endangered species management in the Klamath River. In addition, the incumbent will update and modify the model to accommodate new information on demographic rates and new model structure relating to recent dam removal on the Klamath River. These tasks require programming skills in R, working with R packages, developing mathematical simulation models, and synthesizing and communicating complex model outputs and datasets.

Duties may also encompass Bayesian and maximum likelihood statistical analysis, application of mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters, updating integrated population models for salmon populations, estimating abundance of fish populations, and other related analyses. The incumbent also requires strong writing skills to co- and lead-author technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and strong communication skills for presenting results and explaining complex models to stakeholders, managers, and scientists.

Essential Functions:  Included in this band are professional positions that perform highly complex assignments where specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques are required.  (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band.  They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

• Perform complex tests and/or procedures that require using highly specialized methods or techniques
• Recognize and identify unusual and diverse entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes relevant to the program area
• Modify or adapt established protocols and procedures in response to test or study findings
• Plan studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches
• Revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems
• Review, evaluate, prepare comments, provide formal and informal consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license implementations
• Recommend and approve studies to evaluate potential impacts of proposed development
• Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agencies’ decisions under Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, etc.
• Participate in rulemaking, preparing briefing documents and communicating and coordinating policy changes to other staff
• Prepare and present technical studies and reports

Knowledge Required by the Position: 

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of Fishery Biology.
• Ability to define problems, perform background research, develop and execute a project plan, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Valid driver’s license
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• CPR/First Aid
• Repair and maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

The work requires physical exertion such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, climbing ladders, or similar activities. The incumbent should be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Additionally, the work requires above average manual dexterity and coordination, necessary to perform common laboratory techniques and safely negotiate wet floors.

Work Environment:

Work is based at the Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory located in Cook, WA, near White Salmon, WA and Hood River, OR. The incumbent is primarily office based, but travel for meetings is expected. The office is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Occasional field work to support other teams may be required. Temperature and weather extremes and field work at night (on boats at times) may be encountered in the performance of outdoor work. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow coworkers, or property with which entrusted.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences. In addition, candidates must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience** AND a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. 

LocationColumbia River Research Laboratory