Senior Scientist (8457)

ACS Professional Staffing; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS Professional Staffing is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead ecological assessments and water management projects in Portland, OR. The role involves conducting instream flow and habitat analyses, supporting studies informing regulatory processes, and working on high-visibility projects related to hydropower and water resource management. Candidates must hold an MS or PhD and have at least 10 years of relevant field experience. This is a hybrid full-time position offering competitive work-life balance and engagement with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 10 years of field experience in streamflow measurement and habitat surveys.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead instream flow assessments using methods such as PHABSIM and IFIM.
• Analyze hydrologic and ecological data to determine flow needs.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Field experience in streamflow measurement

Knowledge of aquatic species-habitat relationships

Technical writing and communication skills

Consulting skills

Experience with habitat simulation models

Education

MS or PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Environmental Science

Job description

Our client, an engineering firm specializing in renewable energy, water, and environmental solutions, is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead and support ecological assessments and water management projects. This role focuses on conducting instream flow and habitat analyses, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, evaluating ecosystem flow requirements, and delivering science‑based recommendations that support sustainable water allocation and regulatory decision making across environmentally sensitive and high‑visibility projects, including those related to hydropower and water resource management This is a hybrid, full‑time position based in Portland, OR.

Responsibilities:

• Leading instream flow assessments using methods such as PHABSIM, IFIM, and habitat simulation models.
• Analyzing hydrologic and ecological data to determine flow needs for aquatic organisms and riparian habitats.
• Interpreting hydraulic modeling results and GIS‑based habitat mapping.
• Collecting and interpreting field data on streamflow, habitat conditions, and water quality.
• Preparing technical reports and communicating findings to stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
• Applying regional expertise to assess flow requirements and habitat conditions for native freshwater aquatic species in the Pacific Northwest and/or California.
• Evaluating species‑specific habitat needs (e.g., salmonids and other freshwater fish species) in relation to streamflow and hydrologic conditions.
• Supporting or leading studies that inform regulatory processes related to species protection, habitat conservation, and water resource management.

Requirements:

• MS or PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• 10 years of field experience in streamflow measurement and habitat surveys.
• Experience with instream flow assessments, aquatic habitat impact analyses, ecological modeling, and statistical analyses, as well as project management and consulting.
• Familiarity with environmental flow standards, water management regulations, and hydropower operations.
• Knowledge of water rights frameworks and instream flow policy.
• Extensive experience working with freshwater aquatic species native to the Pacific Northwest and/or California (e.g., salmonids or similar species of regulatory or ecological importance).
• Demonstrated experience applying instream flow methodologies in region‑specific ecological contexts.
• Experience must be directly related to freshwater ecosystems; marine or terrestrial ecology experience alone will not be considered.
• Experience supporting projects subject to state and federal environmental regulations (e.g., ESA, FERC, or similar frameworks).
• Strong knowledge of streamflow dynamics and aquatic species‑habitat relationships.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain long‑lasting relationships with clients to assist them in solving complex challenges related to aquatic ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team and to apply strong consulting and scientist skills from study design and planning through analysis and reporting.
• Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

ACS Professional Staffing will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to the applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.