Post Bachelors Research Associate – Fisheries Research and Operations

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

3d

About The Position

The Bachelors Research Associate will join an interdisciplinary team studying how hydropower operations affect the passage, survival, behavior, and injury of juvenile salmon and lamprey in Pacific Northwest river systems, including the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette rivers. The role supports field and laboratory studies involving fish passage, survival, telemetry, and injury assessment. The associate will work with experienced researchers and receive training in research, safety, and analytical procedures while developing technical and scientific skills in fisheries and hydropower research.

This is a one-year assignment that may involve frequent regional travel, extended workdays during field operations, and work in varied environmental conditions. Work may take place in inclement weather, at industrial hydroelectric projects, and on the water, and may involve heavy lifting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, aquatic ecology, environmental science, biology, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or expect to receive one within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

• Background in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, environmental science, biological field studies, or related disciplines through academic, research, internship, volunteer, or employment activities.
• Ability to collect, organize, document, and maintain high-quality scientific data.
• Familiarity with fish handling, biological sampling techniques, aquatic field studies, laboratory procedures, or aquaculture operations.
• Knowledge of acoustic telemetry, radio telemetry, PIT-tag technology, or related fish monitoring methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and interest in data management and quality assurance and quality control practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills demonstrated through reports, presentations, research projects, or other professional activities.
• Ability to work effectively in field and office environments while managing multiple priorities.
• Organizational skills, initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn new field, laboratory, and analytical techniques.
• Boat operation skills or familiarity working safely around water.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting team and project objectives.
• Ability to rapidly learn new scientific methods, technologies, and data-collection protocols.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and maintain acoustic and radio telemetry equipment.
• Handle and tag fish and assist with fish surgeries.
• Collect biological and environmental data and conduct quality assurance and quality control checks.
• Maintain research databases and contribute to technical reports and presentations.
• Assist with laboratory studies and maintain fish populations in aquaculture facilities.
• Conduct fish necropsies and support fish injury assessments related to turbine passage and other water infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level