Fisheries Biologist (III or Senior)

Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County seeks Fisheries Biologist III or Senior in Wenatchee, WA to lead biological programs, monitor, and evaluate fish and hydro-related projects. You will prepare reports, manage budgets, and coordinate with regulators and tribes.

The role requires 6+ (III) or 7+ years (Senior) of field experience, a relevant degree, and strong regulatory knowledge. In-person work at headquarters with relocation reimbursement available and no remote option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resource Management, Biology, or related field required.
• 6+ years for III or 7+ years for Senior in fisheries biology or related field.
• Experience interpreting environmental regulatory requirements and working with agencies/tribes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead biological programs, monitoring, and evaluation under HCP and licenses.
• Prepare reports, manage projects, budgets, and communicate with regulators and stakeholders.
• Represent the District in technical forums and coordinate with partner agencies.

Skills

Biology

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Reporting & analysis

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries Biology or related field

Job description

*This is not a remote or hybrid position, but requires regular, in-person attendance at our headquarters in Wenatchee, WA. Relocation reimbursement is available.

Live, Work & Play:

• Chelan County PUD is located in central Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers. As a public power leader, we embrace the challenges and opportunities of our dynamic operations.
• Powered by the Columbia River, we generate hydropower while prioritizing environmental stewardship. Each year, we invest millions of dollars and countless hours to protect fish, wildlife, and plant ecosystems. Our efforts also include creating 14 parks, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually.
• Wenatchee, home to Chelan PUD, is a recreational paradise, recognized by Forbes as a top place to retire. The Wenatchee Valley offers scenic beauty, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life with over 200 days of sunshine each year. Here, small-town charm meets big-city amenities, with abundant outdoor activities like water sports, hiking, biking, skiing, and golfing. The region is also known for its excellent wines.
  Consider Chelan PUD for your next career move and join a welcoming community with an exceptional lifestyle.

Fisheries Biologist (III or Senior) Job Summary:

Fisheries Biologist III -

develops budgets and implementation plans, manages projects, and prepares natural resource program reports. Under general direction and oversight of more senior biologists, performs biological monitoring and evaluation of predator control programs, fish spill program management, fish survival tests, and hatchery program monitoring and evaluation in alignment with the District's Habitat Conservation Program (HCP) or other business unit goals and objectives. This position also supports the implementation of hydro licenses, including activities associated with resident and anadromous fish.

Fisheries Biologist Senior -

is responsible for designing and implementing biological studies and evaluations of anadromous fish, resident fish and water quality individually and through project teams to satisfy FERC license conditions other state and federal requirements and regulations for the continued long-term operation of the District's hydroelectric projects. Investigates and identifies methods of optimizing District operations while adhering to Project licenses and supporting the District's strategic plan objectives. Representatives the District in regional forums and committees coordinating District's programs and interests with Tribal, Federal, State, and local agencies, and other non-governmental organizations.

Fisheries Biologist (III or Senior) Salary Range:

Fisheries Biologist III -

The starting salary range is $92,800 - $116,000 (based on qualifications). With tenure and strong performance in this role an employee may earn up to a maximum of $139,200 annualized.

Fisheries Biologist Senior-

The starting salary range is $107,920 - $134,900 (based on qualifications). With tenure and strong performance in this role an employee may earn up to a maximum of $161,880, annualized.

Fisheries Biologist (III or Senior) Qualifications & Skills:

Fisheries Biologist III –

• Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resource Management, Biology, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.
• 6+ years working in the field of fishery research and/or fishery program implementation required.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying related regulatory laws such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), working with various government agencies and tribal interests, and project management preferred.
• Experience working with hydroelectric projects is strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire

Fisheries Biologist Senior –

• Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resource Management, Biology, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.
• 7+ years of experience as a fisheries biologist involving the interpretation and application of environmental regulatory requirements (or similar), managing complex projects and/or implementing scientific programs, and working with various government agencies and tribes the District interacts with is required.
• Experience in hydroelectric power generation industry strongly preferred.
• Candidates with published peer-reviewed scientific work and experience delivering presentations at the regional and national levels are desired.
• Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire

Fisheries Biologist (III or Senior) Responsibilities & Duties:

Fisheries Biologist III -

• Coordinate and at times lead efforts to implement, monitor and/or evaluate biological programs associated with the District's HCP's. Perform activities such as study planning, budget development, implementation, analysis, and reporting. Manage projects or aspects of larger projects under the direction of higher level biologists. Manage small project teams and consultants. Monitor or manage the implementation of predator control programs, fish spill management, fish survival study investigations, and hatchery monitoring and evaluation programs.
• Provide biological technical support for multiple internal and external working group meetings and forums such as HCP Committees, license forums, regional technical teams, and watershed action teams. May serve as District representative on implementing committees and forums.
• Support and participate in the implementation of Rocky Reach, Lake Chelan, and Rock Island licensing efforts, including activities associated with anadromous and resident fish programs. Provide other biological technical analysis and reporting information as needed to internal departments.

Fisheries Biologist Senior -

• Design and lead complex studies and projects utilizing scientific methods to complete complex analysis, interpretation of results, and documentation of findings related to District programs and strategic objectives. Prepare reports and presentations on results, mitigation recommendations, and opportunities for improvements to management and outside agencies or key stakeholders. Manage contractors and consultants.
• Represent District in technical forums such as the Habitat Conservation Plan Committees contributing to annual reports, preparing and delivering scientific presentations, and developing proposals to achieve District goals. Communicate issues of concern with junior-level staff and management by providing recommendations and solutions.
• Participate in District and departmental strategic, long-term, and annual business and financial planning efforts to align work plan with goal and minimize risks.
• Provide work direction and mentor lower-level biologists.
• Participate in regional and national forums and peer-reviewed journals to garner regional recognition as a technical expert in subject matter related to the District's project areas.