Spring Chinook Habitat Study Lead - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-07375

State of Washington•Okanogan County – Okanogan, WA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

In this leadership role, you will oversee a research project focused on understanding the overwinter habitat use of ESA-listed juvenile spring Chinook by gathering critical data throughout the Methow River. Envision yourself in the field, collecting data by using rotary-screw traps, electrofishing surveys and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the habitat requirements and life-histories of Columbia River salmonids.
Ability to organize large data sets, think conceptually, analyze data using appropriate statistical procedures, identify key relationships, and observe and interpret biological trends.
Ability to communicate findings using clear scientific writing.
Experience: Installing, operating, maintaining, and removing rotary-screw traps.
Marking juvenile salmonids with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags.
Using P4 software for data collection.
Performing fish capture surveys using backpack electro fishers, seins, and minnow traps.
Operating and maintaining instream PIT tag detection equipment (transceivers and antennas).
Operating motorboats.
Operating pontoon boats in swift water conditions.

Responsibilities

Serve as the project biologist for the Methow River juvenile spring chinook salmon overwinter study: Lead juvenile fish capture and marking activities utilizing the seasonal operation of two (2) rotary-screw traps and performing electrofishing surveys.
Lead winter float surveys to track passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagged juvenile salmonids throughout the Methow River.
Supervise and mentor technical level staff to support an effective and motivated team.
Set goals and objectives, develop performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and project performance objectives are met.
Complete quarterly and annual progress reports.
Give presentations to constituent groups.
Submit ESA-related research permit and take reports.