Fishery Biologist 3- Klamath Quantitative Ecologist

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Cook, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist the U.S. Geological Survey as a Quantitative Fishery Ecologist at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory. This role requires a modeler with demonstrated quantitative skills to collaborate with NOAA Fisheries, USGS California Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team. This is a full-year, full-time benefits-eligible position with a projected start date of June 1st, 2026. The incumbent will apply and further develop the Klamath River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3), a dynamic population model, to evaluate water management scenarios for endangered species management in the Klamath River. This involves updating and modifying the model to incorporate new demographic rate information and recent dam removal impacts. The position requires programming skills in R, working with R packages, developing mathematical simulation models, and communicating complex model outputs. Duties may also include Bayesian and maximum likelihood statistical analysis, mark-recapture models, integrated population models, and estimating fish population abundance. Strong writing and communication skills are essential for technical reports, publications, and presenting findings to stakeholders, managers, and scientists.

Requirements

Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of Fishery Biology.
Ability to define problems, perform background research, develop and execute a project plan, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.
Programming skills in R
Working with R packages
Developing mathematical simulation models
Compile and collect neat and accurate data
Valid driver's license
Oral communication
Written communication
CPR/First Aid
Repair and maintain equipment
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.
1 year of Specialized Experience
Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in fields directly related to the position being filled.
An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated quantitative skills
Experience with NOAA Fisheries, USGS California Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team
Experience with dynamic population models
Experience with endangered species management
Experience with dam removal impacts on fish populations
Experience with integrated population models for salmon populations
Strong writing skills
Strong communication skills

Responsibilities

Perform complex tests and/or procedures that require using highly specialized methods or techniques
Recognize and identify unusual and diverse entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes relevant to the program area
Modify or adapt established protocols and procedures in response to test or study findings
Plan studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches
Revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems
Review, evaluate, prepare comments, provide formal and informal consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license implementations
Recommend and approve studies to evaluate potential impacts of proposed development
Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agencies' decisions under Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, etc.
Participate in rulemaking, preparing briefing documents and communicating and coordinating policy changes to other staff
Prepare and present technical studies and reports
Apply and further develop the Klamath River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
Evaluate alternative water management scenarios using S3
Update and modify the S3 model to accommodate new information on demographic rates and new model structure relating to recent dam removal on the Klamath River
Synthesize and communicate complex model outputs and datasets
Perform Bayesian and maximum likelihood statistical analysis
Apply mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters
Update integrated population models for salmon populations
Estimate abundance of fish populations
Co- and lead-author technical reports and peer-reviewed publications
Present results and explain complex models to stakeholders, managers, and scientists