Yakima River Basin Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator-YKFP

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation•Toppenish, WA

2d•$48 - $54

About The Position

The Yakima River M&E Coordinator will manage a growing interdisciplinary team of around 25 biologists, interdisciplinary scientists/project managers, and technicians focused on improving fish survival throughout the Yakima River. Staff overseen by the incumbent consist of 6 different projects under M&E Piscivorous and Avian predation, fish passage video monitoring, Coho enhancement, Fall and Summer Chinook enhancement and technician management. The predation M&E staff is focused on management and removal of fish and avian predators. The video monitoring crew is responsible for enumerating all adult salmon returning to the Yakima River by species. The Coho crew is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the reintroduction and enhancing efforts. The fall and summer Chinook crew is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the reintroduction and enhancement efforts. The technicians are responsible for collecting all the data needed to evaluate the reintroduction and enhancement of the salmon species in the basin. A core function of this position will involve providing regular briefings to the YKFP Policy Coordinator and, at times, directly to Tribal Council.

Requirements

Knowledge of life histories of anadromous and resident fishes in the Pacific Northwest.
Knowledge of the legal history of Columbia Basin Treaty Tribes concerning the preservation and enhancement of Tribal Treaty Fishing rights.
Knowledge of legal frameworks that guide fisheries management throughout the Treaty Territories of the YN.
Familiarity with the traditions, culture, and natural resource policies of the Yakama Nation.
Ability to interpret and evaluate complex data and statistical modeling.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups while effectively representing the treaty reserved rights and fishery interests of the Yakama Nation.
Sensitivity to Tribal culture and values and ability to bring together individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Knowledge of federal natural resource management policies and law (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Code of Federal Regulations, etc.).
Knowledge of state, tribal and local government permitting requirements.
Experience supervising multiple employees and ability to uphold the Yakama Nation personnel policies.
Demonstrated expertise to handle difficult private and public situations with firmness, tact, and courtesy.
Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science or related field.
Ten years demonstrated experience as a team member or task lead with primary responsibility of managing M&E projects
Experience in these roles must have included management of scope, scheduling, budgeting, tracking, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
10 years of increasingly responsible positions in fisheries, civil engineering, or water resources.
Experience leading large interdisciplinary teams and working with stakeholders across all levels of government (tribal, federal, state, local).
Must be physically able to work in remote areas under a wide range of weather conditions.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Nice To Haves

10 years of professional experience fisheries science with experience in Northwest highly desired.
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate projects that enhance anadromous fish survival on the Yakima River according to the goals and mission of the YN Fisheries Program established by YN Tribal Council.
Attend Tribal Fish & Wildlife Committee meetings to explain the biological basis for Yakima River fish survival management actions.
Provide presentations of data, analysis and summaries to Tribal Council as needed.
Attend meetings with USGS, USACE, USBOR, USFWS, WDFW, local government and NGOs to exchange and/or supply technical information.
Lead policy development on management actions, and projects with Yakima Basin Integrated Plan members that will improve anadromous fish survival throughout the Yakima River basin.
Assist in development of YKFP M&E strategic plans and work statements.
Periodically evaluate staff performance and offer guidance for professional development.
Evaluates the needs of the Yakima River basin to support growth and development of anadromous fish to protect the Treaty Reserved rights of the tribe.
Lead pioneering scientific studies that assists in identifying the cause of poor anadromous fish passage through the Yakima River and transfers scientific understanding to tractable policy changes.
Represent the Yakama Nation as a member of Systems Operations and Advisory Committee (SOAC).