Shellfish-Biologist

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical benefits

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement/401(k) with profit sharing

Paid holidays and birthday leave

Job summary

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians seeks a Biologist in the Shellfish Department. The role focuses on coordinating shellfish resource management, stock assessments, and regulatory development in collaboration with tribal and governmental partners.

Responsibilities include fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting to support responsible harvests while ensuring compliance with tribal and federal guidelines. Salary is based on a salary matrix with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or fisheries with related shellfish experience.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel and Access for reports and data.
• Two years of related shellfish resource assessment or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate shellfish resource management by conducting stock assessments.
• Provide technical and biological representation in inter-governmental negotiations.
• Develop codes and regulations with commissions and attorneys for shellfish resources.
• Analyze stock data and establish exploitation rates; conduct fieldwork to refine rates.
• Prepare annual progress reports for compliance with contractual obligations.

Skills

Shellfish regulations knowledge

Weather monitoring

Species identification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or fisheries

Tools

Word processing

Excel

Access

Job description

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

JOB Announcement

Open: August 28, 2026 Close: October 16, 2026

Job Title

Biologist

Department

Shellfish

Reports To

Director

Hours

40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary

Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits

*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

POSITION SUMMARY

Interprets biological/scientific information and provides recommendations based on Tribal interests. Performs biological field work as necessary. Works as a co-manager with other governments on resource management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinates shellfish resource management by conducting stock assessments for various shellfish resources.
2. Provides technical and biological representation on the Tribe’s behalf during inter-governmental negotiations.
3. Develops codes and regulations in conjunction with commissions and attorneys to effectively manage shellfish resources.
4. Analyzes stock assessment data and prepares summaries; evaluates current science to establish exploitation rates of shellfish resources; conducts fieldwork to develop and further refine exploitation rates.
5. Provides technical testimony for any on-going legislative proceedings at the federal, state or local levels.
6. Works in conjunction with the state health department and county jurisdictions to classify growing waters for commercial bi-valve harvest.
7. Administers and ensures compliance with all shellfish sanitation issues and FDA rules regarding the harvest of and sale of bi-valve shellfish.
8. Acts as an advocate for water quality restoration in currently prohibited areas.
9. Prepares annual progress reports of program accomplishments and future goals and needs for compliance with BIA contract 638.
10. Accurately keeps and updates a large database of shellfish harvest information including financial information for individual harvesters.
11. Account for all catch/harvest of commercial, ceremonial and subsistence shellfish harvest and assist the general membership with their shellfish treaty rights as needed.
12. Administers the dive harvest safety training program, including annual physicals and quarterly drug screens for divers.
13. Establishes aqua-culture of clams and oysters for Tribal Member use.
14. Seeks out and assists with grant development and applications as assigned.
15. Responsible for maintenance of boats and sampling gear.
16. Assist Land Use with research on beach properties for appropriate land acquisition.
17. Keep current with science and the inter-disciplinary nature of resource management including dive safety, shellfish sanitation and resource biology.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelors (BS) or equivalent from four-year college or technical school in biology or fisheries; and two years related experience and/or training in shellfish resource assessment and management strategy; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (i.e. Word for Windows, Excel, Access, etc.).

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Licenses and Certificates

Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of treaty fishing regulations, commercial diving, marine piloting, navigation, marine and geographic plotting electronics.
• Ability to monitor weather, identify species, and analyze shellfish quality.
• Ability to moderate difficult and volatile situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be alert, having good hearing/sight and mobility to perform inspections and resource management.
• Must be comfortable working around the water and be able to swim and dive.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions and at odd hours of the day or night.
• Some days require work on a research boat with the motor running at high R.P.M.
• Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation.

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.