Shellfish-Biologist

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Interprets biological/scientific information and provides recommendations based on Tribal interests. Performs biological field work as necessary. Works as a co-manager with other governments on resource management.

Requirements

Bachelors (BS) or equivalent from four-year college or technical school in biology or fisheries; and two years related experience and/or training in shellfish resource assessment and management strategy; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (i.e. Word for Windows, Excel, Access, etc.)
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
Knowledge of treaty fishing regulations, commercial diving, marine piloting, navigation, marine and geographic plotting electronics.
Ability to monitor weather, identify species, and analyze shellfish quality.
Ability to moderate difficult and volatile situations.

Responsibilities

Coordinates shellfish resource management by conducting stock assessments for various shellfish resources.
Provides technical and biological representation on the Tribe’s behalf during inter-governmental negotiations.
Develops codes and regulations in conjunction with commissions and attorneys to effectively manage shellfish resources.
Analyzes stock assessment data and prepares summaries; evaluates current science to establish exploitation rates of shellfish resources; conducts fieldwork to develop and further refine exploitation rates.
Provides technical testimony for any on-going legislative proceedings at the federal, state or local levels.
Works in conjunction with the state health department and county jurisdictions to classify growing waters for commercial bi-valve harvest.
Administers and ensures compliance with all shellfish sanitation issues and FDA rules regarding the harvest of and sale of bi-valve shellfish.
Acts as an advocate for water quality restoration in currently prohibited areas.
Prepares annual progress reports of program accomplishments and future goals and needs for compliance with BIA contract 638.
Accurately keeps and updates a large database of shellfish harvest information including financial information for individual harvesters.
Account for all catch/harvest of commercial, ceremonial and subsistence shellfish harvest and assist the general membership with their shellfish treaty rights as needed.
Administers the dive harvest safety training program, including annual physicals and quarterly drug screens for divers.
Establishes aqua-culture of clams and oysters for Tribal Member use.
Seeks out and assists with grant development and applications as assigned.
Responsible for maintenance of boats and sampling gear.
Assist Land Use with research on beach properties for appropriate land acquisition.
Keep current with science and the inter-disciplinary nature of resource management including dive safety, shellfish sanitation and resource biology.
Performs other duties as assigned.