Fishery Biologist 3- Ecologist

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; Cook (WA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel up to 10%

Life, LTD & AD&D plan

Vacation 120–192 hours over years

Job summary

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting a highly motivated Fishery Biologist 3 - Ecologist to support USGS WFRC in Columbia River research. The role centers on leading quantitative analyses, developing population models, and contributing to peer-reviewed work.

The successful candidate will collaborate with the Quantitative Ecology Team, mentor staff, and communicate complex results to managers and partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Fisheries Science, Quantitative Ecology, Biometrics, Applied Statistics, or related field.
• Advanced quantitative methods: Bayesian inference, mark-recapture, IPMs, spatial/temporal models.
• Proficient in R and Bayesian software; reproducible research workflows.
• Peer-reviewed publication track record in quantitative ecology or fisheries science.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex statistical analyses on fish populations and ecological processes.
• Develop and apply IPMs and advanced mark-recapture models to telemetry data.
• Lead authorship of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Present findings to managers, stakeholders, and interagency partners.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Ph.D.-level expertise

Bayesian statistics

R programming

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Fisheries Science or related field

Bachelor's in biological sciences with aquatic/animal science coursework

Tools

R (Bayesian software)

Job description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting highly motivated and experienced candidates to assist the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Fishery Biologist 3 - Ecologist at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of November 16th, 2026.

We are seeking a quantitatively minded scientist to lead and execute complex fisheries ecology analyses in collaboration with WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Advanced Statistical & Quantitative Analysis: Lead the design, execution, and oversight of complex statistical analyses to evaluate fish populations and ecological processes across regional aquatic systems.
• Model Development & Integration: Develop, update, and extend integrated population models (IPMs) for salmon populations, apply advanced mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters from telemetry data, and estimate fish population abundance.
• Primary Authorship & Reporting: Lead and co-author high-impact peer-reviewed scientific publications and comprehensive technical reports summarizing complex quantitative research.
• Stakeholder & Scientific Communication: Deliver technical presentations and communicate complex quantitative models, biological inferences, and analytical outputs to managers, stakeholders, scientific peers, and interagency collaborators.
• Project Leadership & Collaboration: Lead analyses independently, collaborate across interdisciplinary research teams, and mentor junior technical staff on analytical approaches and data interpretation.

Qualifications & Knowledge Required

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Fisheries Science, Quantitative Ecology, Biometrics, Applied Statistics, or a closely related natural resources discipline.
• Advanced Quantitative & Modeling Expertise: Demonstrated mastery in advanced quantitative methods, including Bayesian inference, mark-recapture estimation, integrated population modeling, and spatial/temporal statistical modeling.
• Programming & Computational Skills: Advanced proficiency in quantitative programming environments (such as R and specialized Bayesian software) for complex statistical modeling and reproducible research workflows.
• Scientific Communication: Proven track record of primary authorship in peer-reviewed scientific journals and effective verbal communication of complex quantitative concepts to diverse audiences.

• Perform complex tests and/or procedures that require using highly specialized methods or techniques
• Recognize and identify unusual and diverse entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes relevant to the program area
• Modify or adapt established protocols and procedures in response to test or study findings
• Plan studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches
• Revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems
• Review, evaluate, prepare comments, provide formal and informal consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license implementations
• Recommend and approve studies to evaluate potential impacts of proposed development
• Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agencies' decisions under Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, etc.
• Participate in rulemaking, preparing briefing documents and communicating and coordinating policy changes to other staff
• Prepare and present technical studies and reports

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of Fishery Biology.
• Ability to define problems, perform background research, develop and execute a project plan, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Valid driver's license
• Oral communication

Physical Demands:

The work is sedentary with moderate walking between workstations and carrying folders, reports, and similar light loads.

Work Environment:

The work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. There are the normal risks of an office environment.

Qualifications

Candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences. In addition, candidates must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience** AND a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Location

Columbia River Research Laboratory

12 months or more

Position Type

Full-Year

Travel Requirements

Up to 10%

Full-Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are covered by the Company's Life, LTD and AD&D plan. They are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and AD&D insurance, flexible spending and deferred compensation. An employee receives up to 120 hours of vacation during their first three years of service. After that, the amount of vacation increases every three years of service up to a maximum of 192 hours per year.

Driving

Federal Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.

Salary Target

$96,443-125,378/year

Closing Date

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Employer Privacy Policy

PSMFC participates in E-Verify. We consider all qualified candidates legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide proof of eligibility. PSMFC is unable to support visa sponsorships or extensions.

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is an Affiant Action (AA) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.

If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form, you may call the PSMFC Human Resources office at [phone] between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday-Friday. Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

We maintain a drug-free workplace.

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