Fishery Biologist 3- Ecologist

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Cook, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting a highly motivated, experienced quantitative scientist to assist the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory. The role leads and executes complex fisheries ecology analyses in collaboration with WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of November 16, 2026. The position involves advanced statistical analysis, development and integration of salmon population models, scientific authorship and reporting, communication with stakeholders and scientific audiences, project leadership, collaboration, and mentorship. Work is performed in an office setting and is generally sedentary, with moderate walking and carrying light materials.

Requirements

Successful completion of a full four-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher, including a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences.
One year of specialized experience related to the position, at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression, and a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in a directly related field; an equivalent combination of experience and education is qualifying.
Demonstrated advanced quantitative expertise, including Bayesian inference, mark-recapture estimation, integrated population modeling, and spatial or temporal statistical modeling.
Advanced proficiency in quantitative programming environments such as R and specialized Bayesian software for complex modeling and reproducible research workflows.
A record of primary authorship in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Effective oral and written communication, including the ability to explain complex quantitative concepts to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of fishery biology.
Ability to define problems, conduct background research, develop and execute project plans, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.
Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, execution, and oversight of complex statistical analyses evaluating fish populations and ecological processes across regional aquatic systems.
Develop, update, and extend integrated population models for salmon populations.
Apply advanced mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters from telemetry data and estimate fish population abundance.
Lead and co-author peer-reviewed scientific publications and technical reports.
Present technical findings and communicate quantitative models, biological inferences, and analytical outputs to managers, stakeholders, scientific peers, and interagency collaborators.
Lead analyses independently, collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams, and mentor junior technical staff.
Perform complex tests or procedures using specialized methods; recognize unusual entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes; and adapt established protocols based on findings.
Plan studies that may depart significantly from previous approaches and revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems.
Review and evaluate materials, prepare comments, provide consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license implementations.
Recommend and approve studies evaluating potential impacts of proposed development.
Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agency decisions under the Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, and related authorities.
Participate in rulemaking, prepare briefing documents, and communicate and coordinate policy changes with other staff.
Prepare and present technical studies and reports.
Collect and compile neat, accurate data; define problems, conduct background research, develop project plans, organize and evaluate results, and report findings.