Mitchell Act Implementation and Weir Operations Research Biologist

Description: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a senior-level, project-permanent Fish Biologist to join our Region 5 team, supporting our mission through fish management actions that enhance recreational fishing, monitor fish populations, and aid in fish conservation and recovery. This role leads strategic implementation of weir operations under the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion (MA BiOp), oversees seining activities on ten tributaries of the lower Columbia River, and estimates hatchery influence on wild salmon and steelhead. The biologist will also coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and assess conservation actions in the Lower Columbia River’s Coast Stratum. Additional responsibilities include participating in snorkeling surveys, directing field and lab research, and producing annual reports and presentations.

Responsibilities:  

• Assists with the development and innovative research studies to assess impacts of weir operations on wild salmon populations (i.e., “weir surrogates”) in collaboration with SW Washington LCR Fishery and Hatchery Policy Analyst, Lower Columbia Science Unit Leader, ESA/Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit lead/species leads, research scientists and external collaborators.
• Coordinates with R5 management and hatchery staff regarding future research studies to address information gaps associated with the implementation of the MA BiOp (new weir designs and locations, attraction factors for weir recruitment, etc.). 
• Contributes to the development of the conservation hatchery fall Chinook programs on the Grays River and Abernathy Creek, including finalization of broodstock plan and protocols. 
• Coordinates with SW Washington LCR Fishery and Hatchery Policy Analyst on MA BiOp weir operation/monitoring requirements to ensure research and monitoring aligns with permit requirements.
• Develops and reviews protocols for operating salmon management weirs in SW Washington (Region 5) in conjunction with LCR ESA Compliance/Tributary Fishery Manager, ESA/Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit lead/species and regional project leads, Lower Columbia Science Unit Leader, and research scientists, that ensure operations are occurring consistent with established MA BiOp requirements and objectives.
• Oversees operation and data collection from seining activities below weirs in 10 tributaries of the lower Columbia River.
• Oversees operations and data collection from several lower Columbia River tributary weirs.
• Coordinates, leads and participates in adult seining and trapping activities to capture broodstock and assist with goals of the MA BiOp.
• Operates a 14 foot boat with jet pump for seining activities.
• Develops, reviews and edits applications for land acquisition for new locations and designs for weirs operated in the lower Columbia River.

• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads. 
• Assesses training needs of staff and arranges for or provides instruction. 
• Supervises and mentors technical and professional level staff to support an effective, motivated team.
• Assists with Region 5 fall hiring event where up to 50 non-permanent Scientific Technician 2’s are hired annually.
• Assists and/or leads with budget development and tracking as assigned.

Qualifications: 

A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. 

Plus:

• Experience with adult fish weirs (e.g., designs and functions)
• Experience using beach seining techniques
• PR/First Aid certification (can be obtained after hire).
• Wilderness First Aid certification (can be obtained after hire).
• WDFWs snorkel training and certification, with completion within six months of hire and renewal expected every two years.
• WDFWs Swiftwater training certification, completion within six months of hire.
• WDFWs Oars training certification, completion within six months of hire.
• WDFWs Coldwater (Inland) training certification, completion within six months of hire                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Learn more and apply here.