Senior Biologist

Grant PUD•Beverly, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Senior Biologist leads and supports biological and water quality field investigations and related compliance work. This position oversees field activities; reviews and analyzes data; drafts technical reports and compliance filings; manages contracts and permits; and represents Grant PUD in regional technical working groups, committees, and meetings with state, federal, and tribal entities. The Senior Biologist may present work products and findings at professional conferences and stakeholder forums.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, or related environmental field OR two (2) additional years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in fisheries, wildlife, or water quality (field, monitoring, and related data quality/recordkeeping practices).
A Washington Boater Education Card (or ability to obtain within 4 months of hire). Equivalent out-of-state cards may be accepted initially.
Experience operating boats and working around water; experience towing/launching trailered equipment and operating trucks/trailers (as applicable to assigned duties)
Experience with fish, wildlife, and water quality sampling equipment

Nice To Haves

Experience with Columbia River Basin fisheries, wildlife, and/or water quality monitoring programs, including familiarity with relevant sampling methods and field protocols.
Experience with FERC-licensed hydroelectric projects.
Experience coordinating with tribal governments.
Experience preparing or reviewing regulatory filings.
Working knowledge of statistics and data management practices used in fisheries, wildlife, and/or water quality monitoring; proficiency using standard computer applications for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Basic understanding of hydraulics and aquatic habitat concepts, including fish passage and fish protection facilities at dams (as applicable to assigned duties).
Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, including chemical, physical, and biological properties; and general familiarity with terrestrial wildlife and botanical population trends (as applicable).
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders (including agency and tribal representatives).
Demonstrated knowledge of scientific research methodology, including study design, field sampling protocols, data quality/QA/QC practices, and documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage the Fisheries and/or Wildlife Program for the Utility; lead or support the design, preparation, implementation, analysis, and reporting of fisheries and/or wildlife programs required by FERC.
Leads in the design, coordination, and implementation of field work to collect required biological and water quality data.
Conduct field sampling, monitoring, and data collection activities in support of fisheries, wildlife, and water quality programs, ensuring data are collected accurately, consistently and in compliance.
Manage assigned programs and projects as needed, including contract administration.
Prepare basic analyses and review/interpret technical analyses and reports.
Coordinate with agency and tribal biologists to review study methods and results.
Apply sound scientific research methods and maintain working expertise in Columbia River fisheries, wildlife, and water quality topics, including relevant sampling techniques and field protocols.
Support implementation of fish, wildlife, and water quality evaluations required under the FERC License Order, Section 401 Certification, NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion, USFWS Biological Opinion, Priest Rapids Salmon and Steelhead Settlement Agreement, Hanford Reach Agreement, and any other applicable programs and settlements.
Develop study plans, technical reports, and basic compliance filings as assigned.
Provide technical interpretation of license and settlement requirements and recommend compliance approaches to management.
Conduct research, planning, scoping, and budgeting activities for current and future work affecting fish, wildlife, and water quality.
Perform data entry and support ongoing review, analysis, and reporting of the Business Unit’s work.
Participate in trainings and meetings to support professional development and effective program delivery.
Obtain and maintain permits required for Environmental Affairs field activities.
Understand applicable permitting requirements and regulations, including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife scientific collection permits, fish transport permits, and any other permits as needed.
Coordinate permit planning and compliance activities, support accurate data collection, and prepare required annual reports.
In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.
Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures.
Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to: Following all safety policies and procedures. Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions. Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor. Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.