Anadromous Fisheries Biologist I

VACANCY ANN#:     STOI-25-084

TITLE:                           FISHERIES BIOLOGIST I

DEPARTMENT:          DNR – FISHERIES (ANADROMOUS)

SUPERVISOR:            ANADROMOUS PROGRAM MANAGER

LOCATION:                 SPOKANE, WA / REMOTE

STATUS:                      REGULAR FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY:            $28.00 - $29.99

OPENING DATE:       SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

CLOSING DATE:       OPEN UNTIL FILLED

INTRODUCTION: 

The Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Anadromous Program is the Tribe’s technical lead for fish passage and salmon reintroduction efforts in the Upper Columbia and Spokane Rivers. Work performed by the Program is highly collaborative with our partners at the Upper Columbia United Tribe (UCUT) and Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP) partners.

Multiple fisheries research projects associated with the P2IP are currently underway, with more planned in the near future. This position will be responsible for developing research projects, performing field and data collection operations, data analysis and reporting. Research may include behavior and survival studies of anadromous fish at various life stages using acoustic and/or radio telemetry. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to additional research being conducted by the Program and our partners. These may include aspects of fish rearing, fish marking and biological sampling, fisheries and habitat monitoring in tributaries and large rivers/reservoirs, and standardized fisheries surveys.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Function as the Principal Investigator for individual research projects of the Anadromous Program, from inception to completion.
  
  
  
  • Be responsible for the development of project proposals, prepare associated protocols, lead data collection efforts, complete data entry and QA/QC, perform analyses and prepare reports, as required by specific projects.
  
  
  • Develop, implement, and adapt science-based salmon reintroduction studies that contribute to P2IP adaptive management and decision-making.
  
  
  • Design and oversee studies to assess survival, migration success, and spawning behavior of reintroduced salmon stocks.
  
  
  • Manage large fisheries datasets using databases and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, GIS).
  
  
  • Analyze complex biological data (e.g., PIT tag, telemetry, genetic, spawning survey, juvenile outmigration), and perform appropriate statistical analyses.
  
  
  • Communicate results written and orally
  
  
  • Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations to communicate the research to a breadth of audiences.
  
  
  
  


• Collaborate and coordinate with the UCUT P2IP Committee and partners.


• Contribute to additional P2IP studies performed by the Program and our partners as needed and available.
  
  
  
  • Participate in the installation, maintenance, and data collection associated with salmonid sampling. This may include but is not limited to, screw traps, weirs, electrofishing, and other commonly used fish sampling techniques.
  
  
  • Perform spawning and carcass surveys on foot, by vessel, or with the use of unmanned vehicles.
  
  
  
  

• Contribute to Program projects, operations, and maintenance, as well as other Department of Natural Resources initiatives, as needed and available.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION: 

• Capable of performing and coordinating field work with internal and external partners.


• Follow established protocols and adhere to programmatic standards. Knowledge and capacity to implement appropriate fisheries sampling methodologies.


• Able to identify, or ability to learn to identify, fish species of the Pacific Northwest at various life stages.


• Operate vessels, motorized and human powered.


• Comfortable wading in rivers and performing work in variable weather conditions.


• Ability to work independently with limited to no supervision, at times.

• Competent with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, outlook) and statistical and geospatial software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, AND


• 2 years (field seasons) of demonstrated experience in fisheries, water resources, or related field.
  
  
  
  • Experience must include acoustic or radio telemetry within the field of Fisheries.
  
  
  
  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote field settings and office environments.


• Must have a valid Driver’s License with a good driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be admitted to or enrolled in a graduate education program in Fisheries or related field.


• Previous experience collecting, managing, or analyzing telemetry data.

• Previous experience working on rivers and reservoirs within the upper Columbia River Basin.

*Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications. 

Contact: Sabrina McCoy or Kammi Rosenbaum

(509) 458-6583 or (509) 458-6520   

 E-mail:   [email protected]

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation