Operations Specialist 3 - Fisheries and Hydropower

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. 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 5 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of proficient and demonstrated boat‑operation experience
Excellent organizational skills
Familiarity with acoustic and radio telemetry study design and basic array maintenance
Experience operating boats on rivers or large water bodies (3+ yrs experience)
Basic knowledge of boat maintenance
Experience supporting field crews in outdoor or aquatic research environments
Ability to compile and manage data sets
Knowledge of fish species inhabiting the Pacific Northwest
Willingness to work extra hours when necessary to achieve project goals
Experience supporting boat based fieldwork and equipment deployment
Attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
Possession of a strong work ethic
Willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals

Responsibilities

Be a part of a large interdisciplinary team that researches the effects of hydropower operations on the passage and survival of juvenile salmon and Pacific lamprey throughout the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other river systems across the Pacific Northwest.
These studies involve assisting with the deploying, retrieving, maintaining, and testing of acoustic and radio telemetry equipment; supporting tagging activities or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish; and helping with the transport and release of live tagged fish according to detailed project schedules.
This position will be heavily focused on boat operations, including frequently operating boats to deploy and maintain telemetry equipment under guidance, supporting field deployments, and helping 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.
Seasonal fieldwork may require frequent travel within the region.
The role supports the integration of operational capabilities, requirements, and solutions across research and support organizations to enable effective and efficient project execution in support of the Lab’s mission.
The position maintains awareness of operational needs, ongoing field activities, and emerging requirements, and contributes recommendations for operational improvements that support and strengthen the Lab’s safety culture—particularly related to boat operations and other assigned areas—while assisting management during changing field conditions or schedule demands to help implement adjustments necessary to keep project boating activities safe and efficient.
The position also supports coordination, scheduling, and logistics for research staff, crafts personnel, and visiting researchers working in spaces, and helps maintain the utilization of equipment, systems, and capabilities within those spaces.
Duties are performed in coordination with DOE and applicable regulatory agency requirements, with moderate guidance as needed.