Fisheries Biologist

Description:   The Fisheries Biologist is responsible for implementing all fisheries-related projects for the Burns Paiute Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and collaborating with various agencies to protect and enhance aquatic species and habitat within the Tribe’s ancestral territory. Duties include, but are not limited to conducting field surveys, data management, technical report writing, supervising technician-level staff in day-to-day field activities, interagency coordination, and public/Tribal engagement. The successful applicant will possess strong technical knowledge, supervisory experience, and experience with fisheries and aquatic systems in the Columbia River Basin or similar ecosystems. The position involves both a field and an office component.

The field component will primarily take place on the Tribe’s two wildlife mitigation sites located approximately 1 hour from Burns, OR. Field work includes various fish and aquatic vegetation surveys, water temperature monitoring, invasive species control, and data collection.

The office component includes data entry and management from field surveys, mapping, technical report writing, and grant writing. The job will also include outreach and educational activities with the Tribal community and Tribal youth. 

Burns/Hines, Oregon is a rural community in eastern Oregon with a population of approximately 5,000 people. The Malheur Wildlife Refuge, Malheur National Forest, Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, and Steens Mountain Wilderness are all within 1.5-hour drive from town.

Responsibilities:

• Collect/compile/analyze data and prepare reports and evaluations for the Tribal Council, sponsors, and local managers.
• Implement the goals and objectives outlined in the management plans for the mitigation sites.
• Coordinate and organize multiple cost share agreements with state, federal, and other Tribal entities on cooperative projects.
• Develop, write, and implement fisheries restoration and enhancement plans upon approval by Program Manager.
• Present research data and findings to peer groups, management agencies, and interested public work groups.
• Expand the scope of the fisheries program to meet the goals of the Tribe, with particular emphasis on tribal youth outreach.
• Comply with all federal and state regulatory policies through consultations and necessary documentation (i.e. permits, reports, and data collections).
• Write proposals and apply for grants to expand Fisheries Program projects.
• Design and implement annual work plans in coordination with Program Manager.
• Represent the department at regional and local technical meetings.
• Coordinate fisheries activities with the Program Manager to ensure cohesion within the Program.
• Assist Wildlife Program staff as needed.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or closely related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant fisheries related experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS; capable of analyzing and managing fisheries data.
• Familiarity with ESA-listed species, Columbia River Basin fisheries, and tribal fisheries management practices.
• Experience with grant writing, administration, and reporting.

Learn more about the Burns Paiute Tribe and apply here.