Director of Fisheries – NWIFC

NWIFC; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

NWIFC is seeking a Director of Fisheries to lead the Fisheries Department, directing staff in fishery management, planning, enhancement services, fish health, and conservation planning in Olympia, WA. The role supports treaty tribes and implements complex agreements under the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

The position requires advanced fisheries science education and strong policy, analytical, and collaborative skills, with onsite/hybrid work from Olympia and a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Fisheries Science or related field with substantial work experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work collaboratively in teams.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and analytical methods used in fisheries management.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall policy guidance to tribes and coordinate support for policy and technical assistance in negotiations with Canada on salmon issues.
• Ensure Fisheries Department programs meet member tribes’ needs for policy direction and coordination; set annual program priorities.
• Develop and conduct technical programs to implement Commission direction; oversee program areas for compliance with policies.
• Coordinate with tribal fisheries programs to enable tribes to exercise treaty-reserved harvest rights.
• Integrate best available science with federal statutes and court orders; coordinate evaluation of management options.
• Oversee development of annual budgets and recruitment for the Fisheries Department; assist in policy issues for fisheries programs.

Skills

Leadership

Excellent communication

Quantitative analysis

Driver's license

Education

Master’s degree in Fisheries Science

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science

Job description

Salary: The starting salary range is $148,690 – $176,206 (DOQ)

Location: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) Olympia, WA (Candidates must be within a commutable distance from Olympia for an onsite/hybrid)

Close Date: November 4, 2026

Position Overview

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) is seeking a full-time, dedicated, and knowledgeable Director of Fisheries to plan, direct, and supervise the activities of the Fisheries Department’s staff. This includes fishery management and planning, enhancement services, fish health, quantitative services, and conservation planning. Our Director of Fisheries is responsible for the implementation of the U.S./Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty for the organization, ensuring that these functions support and promote tribes’ fishery management programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall policy assistance to tribes in the business of the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) and implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Coordinate staff support for policy and technical assistance to tribes in developing negotiating positions with Canada concerning Southern Panel, Fraser River Panel, and Chinook salmon issues. Participate on the PSC Commissioners Working Group and provide policy support to tribal participants in the PSC Process.
• Ensure the Fisheries Department’s programs are meeting member tribes’ needs for policy direction and coordination. Establish the Fisheries Department’s program priorities on an annual basis. Develop and conduct technical programs to implement Commission direction. Provide oversight of specific Fisheries Department programs to assure tribal and Commission policies are carried out. Coordinate with tribal fisheries programs to provide opportunities for tribes to exercise their treaty-reserved rights to harvest fish and shellfish.
• Integrate best available science with federal statutes and court orders. Coordinate the evaluation of alternative management options between the tribes and the state.
• Assist tribal and NWIFC staff in addressing policy and technical issues related to the implementation of resource and hatchery management plans, including development of salmon recovery plans and addressing compliance issues under the Endangered Species Act.
• Work closely with the Executive Director on development of policy issues for fisheries programs. Oversee development of the Fisheries Departments annual budgets and the recruitment, hiring, and progress reports.
• Assist tribes in developing comprehensive fishery management plans, including addressing issues related to mass marking and mark-selective fisheries

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Fisheries Science or related field and seven years of pertinent work experience, (or) Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science with eight years of pertinent work experience, or (or) an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform job responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of the Commission member tribes’ fisheries and their fisheries management programs.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and analytical methods used in fisheries management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to work collaboratively and productively in group settings and committee environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured by employer auto coverage

Why NWIFC?

Joining NWIFC means being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving the treaty tribes of Western Washington. Our work is guided by the member tribes’ commitment to protect natural resources for the next seven generations. We have a 50-year history of providing direct support to the treaty tribes.

This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. NWIFC shares the values of the tribal communities it serves, including prioritizing culture, and the preservation of traditions.

If you have any questions or need further assistance throughout the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR at [e-mail] . We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission operates under a PL 93-638 contract and applies an Indian Preference policy in employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S., as we are unable to sponsor work visas.

NWIFC is committed to building an inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve, and we strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply.