The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) exists to protect and restore wild sea-run fish and their habitats, working closely with local human communities and the other wildlife that have depended on rivers and fish for centuries. Established in 1982, DSF has served Washington County’s great river systems– the Narraguagus, Pleasant, Machias, East Machias, and Dennys Rivers–from their headwaters to their estuaries.

The Fisheries Assessment and Science Communication Specialist will be hired on a 4-year contract to oversee aspects of the development and implementation of a fish monitoring plan for the removal of the Narraguagus Ice Control Dam in Cherryfield, ME. This position will also serve in a leadership role for the project’s science communication objectives, such as working to produce and disseminate digital content, planning and facilitating community workshops and meetings, and helping to communicate with stakeholders.

The removal of the Narraguagus River Ice Control Dam is being led by the Downeast Salmon Federation in partnership with the Town of Cherryfield, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation and The Nature Conservancy. Removal of the dam and installation of a nature-like fishway as well as improvements to the adjacent Cable Pool Park have all been fully funded through NOAA. This fish passage project will remove the only impoundment on the Narraguagus River, a critical Atlantic salmon river, and will significantly improve access to over 300 miles of upstream habitat for Atlantic salmon, shad, alewives, and other sea-run fish.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to environmental science or fisheries, plus 2 years of experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity and experience with a variety of monitoring techniques such as PIT tagging, video, and sonar monitoring, eDNA, electrofishing, and site-specific monitoring.
• Experience with basic data analysis (experience with data analysis programs such as R preferred).
• Experience leading citizen science efforts.

To see the full position description and benefits, please visit our website at https://www.mainesalmonrivers.org/about/employment/