Senior Salmonid Scientist/Ecologist

About the Position

Four Peaks Environmental Science & Data Solutions (Four Peaks) is looking for a highly experienced salmonid scientist/ecologist to join our team. The individual hired for this role will work independently and on multidisciplinary teams to answer questions related to salmonid behavior, movement, survival, and ecological responses to natural and anthropogenic changes. This position also offers the opportunity to assist clients with issues and topics that may be outside of Four Peak’ current project domain. The ideal candidate will have a strong professional background working with or for fisheries management entities and an interest in contributing to a diversity of different projects. 

Tasks and Responsibilities

Conduct technical evaluations of salmonid biology, behavior, movement, survival, and ecological interactions

• Interpret the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes on salmonid populations
• Serve as a technical expert on multidisciplinary projects
• Develop study plans and manage study implementation
• Oversee project staff and effectively delegate tasks
• Efficiently develop written reports and project correspondence
• Manage project budgets
• Contribute to marketing efforts including proposal writing and client meetings
• Present study results to a wide range of audiences including at conferences

We anticipate filling this position at one of our Pacific Northwest offices (i.e., Wenatchee, Hood River, Seattle, or Bellingham). 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to successfully work with team members from different disciplines
• A minimum of 5-years’ applied experience conducting research involving salmonid biology/ecology, or managing salmonid monitoring and evaluation projects, or managing salmonid populations.
• Expert understanding of salmonid biology, ecology, behavior, and life history attributes
• Expert understanding of anthropogenic effects/influences on salmonid populations
• Strong data management and analytical skills
• Professional experience working with salmonid populations from the West Coast of North America
• Experience developing successful funding proposals
• Proficiency developing written deliverables and at least one publication as lead author in a peer-reviewed journal
• Ability to produce deliverables on time and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Minimum Qualifications

This position will be filled at one of three grades:

• Senior Scientist 1
  • Graduate degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or other similar major and 5 years of relevant industry or consulting experience. Possession of PhD may reduce or count towards requirement for 5 years of relevant industry or consulting experience.
• Senior Scientist 2
  • Graduate degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or other similar major and 7 years of relevant industry or consulting experience. Possession of PhD may reduce or count towards requirement for 7 years of relevant industry or consulting experience.
• Principal Scientist
  • Graduate degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or other similar major and minimum of 10 years of relevant industry or consulting experience. Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to manage and grow a program focused on fisheries or other aquatic sciences. Management and growth experience outside of consulting will be considered.

Desired but Not Required Knowledge and Experience

• 10+ years working closely with or for state, tribal, or federal fish managers
• Experience monitoring salmonid behavior, movements, and survival with passive and active tag technology
• Experience evaluating fish passage and related covariates influencing passage behavior
• Knowledge of Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or National Environmental Policy Act
• Familiarity with FERC relicensing processes
• Familiarity with hatchery practices and related conservation issues

Our Story

Four Peaks is a growing environmental science and engineering firm serving public and private entities nationwide. We help our clients solve applied problems and overcome challenges that require a diversity of expertise in scientific research, data science, and regulatory compliance. We are a complementary team of experts able to provide solutions for natural resource managers’ complex ecological needs. We are proud of the positive impact we have had on our local, regional, national, and global communities—those same communities in which we live and operate.

We also offer the following benefits to our team:

• Annual profit and performance-based bonus
• Performance-based incentive compensation
• Employer-sponsored health insurance
• 401k program with employer match
• 10 paid holidays and a generous paid time off program
• Cell phone allowance