Earth Scientist 2 – Fisheries Research & Field Operations

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Requirements

BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD

Nice To Haves

Ability to contribute to scientific products such as technical reports, publications, or well‑documented data summaries.
Background supporting proposal development through technical input and methods contributions.
Experience leading field sampling crews with increasing independence.
Maintenance and analyses of large lab- and field-based datasets (MS Excel, R Programming, GIS).
Ability to interpret complex data and communicate results to diverse audiences.
Strong written and presentation skills.
Understanding of energy and natural resource issues in the region.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to build networks locally.
Familiarity with telemetry study design and maintenance.
Experience operating boats on rivers or large water bodies (3+ years).
Basic knowledge of boat maintenance.
Experience supporting boat‑based fieldwork and equipment deployment.
Experience supporting field crews in aquatic or outdoor research environments.
Knowledge of fish species inhabiting the Pacific Northwest.
Attention to detail, the ability to work independently and as a team member, possession of a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or interactions of these systems with human activities. Uses scientific principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or integrated assessment.
Be a part of a large interdisciplinary team that researches the effects of hydropower operations on passage and survival of juvenile salmon and Pacific lamprey throughout the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other river systems across the Pacific Northwest. As an Earth Scientist 2, the position applies S&E principles and develops technical approaches to solve challenges, while taking on greater independence and leadership in field operations and data collection.
These studies involve deploying, retrieving, maintaining, and testing acoustic and radio telemetry equipment; leading and overseeing tagging or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish; and coordinating transport and release of live tagged fish according to detailed project schedules.
Project responsibilities include defining and leading project tasks, independently managing logistics, overseeing and ensuring the quality of field data collection, conducting data analysis, and leading the drafting of report sections or full reports.
This position also includes significant boating responsibilities. The role frequently operates boats to deploy and maintain telemetry equipment, support field deployments, and manage associated logistics and field equipment. Boat operations may include operating 18‑ to 26‑foot single‑prop and dual‑prop outboard boats, as well as jet boats, on large river systems throughout the Pacific Northwest with potentially strong currents and variable weather conditions. The position contributes to safe and efficient boating activities during changing field conditions or schedule demands, supporting PNNL’s safety culture. Seasonal fieldwork may require frequent travel within the region.
Contribute to research activities by supporting study design, field data collection, data management, and assisting with technical reporting.
Support proposal development by providing operational insights from fieldwork, contributing technical content, and helping shape concepts for new research opportunities.
Frequent operation of research boats (18–26 ft single‑prop, dual‑prop, and jet boats) on large river systems with strong currents and variable weather conditions.
Deploying, maintaining, and retrieving acoustic and radio telemetry equipment from boats and shore‑based locations.
Supporting boat‑based fieldwork and equipment deployment, including assisting with field crew operations.
Managing boating logistics such as equipment transport, maintenance planning, vessel readiness, and coordinating launch/recovery activities.
Assisting with field scheduling, coordination, and communication with research staff, visiting researchers, and crafts personnel involved in boating operations.
Helping ensure boating activities remain safe and efficient under changing field conditions, adhering to DOE and applicable regulatory requirements.
Monitoring field conditions, identifying operational needs, and recommending improvements related to boating safety and efficiency.
Keeping detailed records and writing reports related to field deployments, boating operations, and telemetry work.
Supporting tagging activities or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish and ensuring safe boat‑based transport and release schedules.