Field Biologist: Salmonid Monitoring & River Research Lead

Skagit River System Cooperative is hiring for the position of Research and Recovery Field Biologist Job Description: Provide support to SRSC and its staff in the collection of samples and data required in the implementation of salmonid long-term monitoring. This position is a TERM appointment dependent on need and continued funding. It is currently scheduled to conclude two years from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension contingent on continued funding. Specific Responsibilities: Lead field crews to sample fishes in the Skagit River Watershed, including Skagit Bay. Coordinate and collect biological, chemical, and physical habitat samples and/or data. Implement developed sampling protocols in the Skagit River Watershed and across the Whidbey Basin, which includes fyke trapping, beach seining, smolt trapping, electrofishing, and habitat assessments associated with catch. Deploy and maintain data loggers and conduct RTK surveys as necessary. Track supplies and personnel to complete assigned tasks. Purchase, organize, and maintain project equipment, following SRSC purchasing and inventory requirements. Perform assigned tasks that involve physical labor such as, but not limited to, site clearance, preparation, planting, carpentry, hauling, lifting, boat operation and hiking in remote backcountry situations. Record, compile, and maintain field records and notes, including logbooks, data sheets, and electronic data collection equipment. Data entry and QA/QC. Assist in the preparation of technical reports, including data analysis and writing. Perform other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by supervisor, the Research and Recovery Director, Program Directors, and/or the SRSC Board. Qualifications: Education. The position requires an associate degree in a natural science field as a baseline qualification. Candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife science, biology, or a closely related discipline are strongly preferred. Experience. The position requires 3+ months of boat operation and handling experience and at least 1 year of experience implementing fisheries techniques or fish habitat surveys. Additional boat operation and handling experience, field experience, and experience leading field crews preferred. Skills and Abilities: Valid Washington State Driver’s License and must be insurable for driving Ability to attain a Boater’s Safety Card within the first month of appointment Ability to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act Proficiency in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office products. Good oral and written communication skills Accurate record-keeping ability Capability to operate sharp tools and power equipment safely Sensitivity to Native American culture, customs, and traditions Ability to carry at least 40 lbs. of equipment over uneven terrain for up to 5 miles in a day work in swift water conditions of rivers and tidal habitats safely lift, move, and handle field gear perform tasks that may require bending, kneeling, climbing, or reaching walk, navigate, and board boats in muddy estuarine environments work weekends and evenings depending on sampling needs work in harsh environments under adverse weather conditions Within the first 3 months, ability to learn internal databases learn ArcGIS software to digitize spatial data identify juvenile salmonids and other freshwater and estuarine species #J-18808-Ljbffr NWIFC