Fisheries Biologist - Salmon Habitat and Life Cycle Modeling

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a fisheries biologist to collect and analyze habitat data, and develop and implement salmon life cycle models for restoration planning. The Fish Ecology (FE) Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center conducts scientific research on threatened and endangered salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest and California, including watershed assessments to aid in restoration planning and habitat monitoring to meet NMFS statutory obligations under the Endangered Species Act. The analyses will focus on collection of habitat and‐or fish data in river basins and nearshore waters of the NMFS Western Region, and assisting with habitat analyses and development of salmon life cycle models.Duties:The scope of this activity is to assist with collection of habitat and‐or fish data in river basins and nearshore waters of NMFS Western Region, and assisting with habitat analyses and development of salmon life cycle models to help managers identify and prioritize habitat restoration actions for salmon and steelhead.TASK A.Description: Assist with gathering of landscape and habitat data for habitat change assessments, including, but not limited to, existing suitable data sets.Deliverable: Habitat data sets in a format suitable for habitat change analysis, and written documentation of data for reports.Task BDescription: Conduct habitat change analysis (historical and current habitat conditions) to develop habitat scenarios for life cycle models.Deliverable: Results of habitat change analysis suitable for use in life cycle models, and written documentation of analysis for reports.Task CDescription: Assist with gathering of fish population data, including, but not limited to, existing data sets for life cycle model development.Deliverable: Fish population data sets in a format suitable for life cycle model development, and written documentation of data for reports.Task DDescription: Adapt or revise previously developed life cycle models for river basins in the Pacific Northwest, and run alternative habitat scenarios for habitat restoration planning.Deliverable: Life cycle model results documenting restoration alternatives in studied river basins, and draft report chapters or manuscript components.Qualifications:In addition to basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.), excellent written and verbal communication skills:Education‐ Master’s degree or higher (for senior scientists) or Bachelor's degree or higher (for junior scientists), from an accredited college or university with a major in a relevant field of study with emphasis in fisheries, geology, natural science, hydrology or environmental sciences. Two years of relevant experience may substitute for master’s degree.Experience ‐ Three (3) years of relevant experience, including:Conducting quantitative and spatial analyses in RConducting quantitative and spatial analyses in ARC GISAnalysis of salmon habitat dataDevelopment and use of salmon life cycle modelsScientific writingStart Date: As soon as possible (ASAP)Location: Work will be conducted on‐site at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, or the associated Manchester Research Station, Manchester, WA.Salary and Benefits: This is a full time position with benefits. Salary range $28 to $33 per hour depending on experience.Travel: Travel is anticipated. Travel locations include field sites throughout WA, OR, and ID as well as fish passage and trapping facilities for field sampling efforts. Travel will also be required for regional meetings and conferences to discuss and present project related research in WA, OR, ID, CA or British Columbia, Canada.