* View the job posting and application instructions here: QNR Fish Passage Biologist *

POSITION SUMMARY
The Fish Passage Biologist will work in the Habitat Program within Quileute Natural Resources. This position requires previous experience and knowledge of salmonid fish passage and Pacific Northwest ecology. This position will be responsible for evaluating fish passage barriers and associated barrier correction projects within the Quileute Tribe’s Usual & Accustomed Area (U&A). The Biologist will provide expertise identifying and prioritizing fish passage barriers for correction, primarily focused on culverts and other human-caused barriers. Duties will include planning, implementation, an monitoring of fish passage projects, including grant writing, permitting, and contract management.

Work will also include developing and maintaining a fish passage barrier inventory and barrier correction prioritization lists. Field work will include conducting habitat surveys and barrier assessments following the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Fish Passage & Diversion Screening Assessment & Prioritization Manual. The Fish Passage Biologist will review and evaluate detailed engineering designs, project scopes, biological assessments, and permits for fish passage projects. The Biologist will coordinate with state, federal, and local governments, other Tribes, and non-governmental organizations. This position reports to the Habitat Program Manager. As the position’s capacity allows, the Biologist will support other fish habitat restoration projects led by the Quileute Habitat Program.

This position is currently grant-funded for 18-months. The Biologist will be expected to apply for grants to secure future funding for the position.

PROJECT DUTIES

• Conduct fish passage barrier inventories and habitat assessments following established protocols.
• Independently plan, organize, and conduct field work to assess barrier status and potential fish use.
• Regularly update a shared fish passage barrier database.
• Develop barrier correction prioritization reports for man-made barriers in the Quileute U&A.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to plan and implement fish passage projects.
• Participate in the identification, field verification, and engineering design review of barrier correction projects throughout the Quileute U&A.
• Oversee planning, permitting, and implementation of Quileute-led barrier correction projects.
• Grant writing, budget and contract management.
• Participate in internal and interagency workgroups.
• Prepare progress reports.
• Participate in training opportunities to maintain current understanding of fish passage topics.
• Participate in project effectiveness monitoring.
• Use ArcGIS Pro to create maps of fish passage features and habitat assessment sites.
• Collect data utilizing electronic mobile data collection forms (i.e., field map).
• Enter, download, organize, and maintain electronic data - includes data QA/QC.
• Support other fish habitat restoration projects led by the Quileute Habitat Program.

Please note: There are other duties assigned with the nature of the position and the small department it
functions within.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Skills in:
• Facilitation and negotiation to promote Tribal restoration efforts among other agency personnel, private landowners, and various stakeholders.

Knowledge of:

• Aquatic ecosystems and associated biota along with an understanding of physical stream and hydrologic processes and functions is required.
• Fish biology with an emphasis on anadromous salmonids of the Washington Coast.
• Fish passage criteria for salmon and steelhead.
• Watershed processes and basic hydrology at a watershed scale.
• Anadromous salmonid life history and ecology.
• Washington Fish Passage policy and permitting processes.
• Tribal Treaty Rights and roles/responsibilities as fisheries co-managers.
• The court rulings in United States v. Washington, No. 13-35474, also known as the “Culvert Case”

Experience with:

• Computer usage and specific programs including Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), PowerPoint (presentation), and Explorer (web navigation). Must be able to efficiently operate each of these software applications.
• Mapping software (such as ArcGIS Pro) related to GPS applications, with the ability to discern property boundaries and ownership.
• Project and/or grant management.
• Ability to collect on-site data following a strict protocol that will be used prioritize projects for restoration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Create and maintain a professional and supportive work environment that encourages open constructive criticism of ideas and focus on the prime goal of fulfilling the QNR Mission.
• Communication:
       ▪ Keep others informed of work issues and programs by maintaining frequent communications.
      ▪ Work at the most direct and immediate level to resolve issues of conflicting personalities and needs.
• Develop and maintain proactive working relationships with funding agency contract officer technical representatives.
• Telework is a possibility for this position but would require approval by the Natural Resources Director, and Quileute Tribal Council.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to carry/lift 40 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to walk (several miles a day) in uneven, hilly terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather in and around water for extended periods.
• Ability to work in uneven and slippery terrain.
• Ability to operate small hand tools.
• Ability to sit and work at computer workstation for several hours.
• Ability to work modified work hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel occasionally and stay overnight as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

*Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university in Fisheries, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, or a closely related field such as ecology, biology, hydrology, watershed management, geology, landscape architecture, regional planning, or
environmental science.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience relevant to the position • Valid driver's license.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:

• Examples of relevant experience may include identifying fish habitat barriers and limiting factors, assessing habitat conditions, identifying and prioritizing fish restoration projects, habitat enhancements, actively participating in watershed management decisions, developing funding proposals, and developing workplans and budgets.
• A Master of Science degree from an accredited university or college, in Fisheries or environmental planning or a closely related field can be substituted for two years of experience.

Special Requirements: Must have and retain a valid Washington State Driver’s License ~ please provide a copy with job application. Must pass a criminal background check, drug and alcohol screening and reference check.

Indian preference will apply. If applicants have equal qualifications, preference will be given first to a  Quileute Indian applicant and then to other Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Except as provided by the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code Sec. 472 & 473) there will be no discrimination in selection because of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership/non-membership in an employee organization.