The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), Fish Management Department, is responsible for the implementation of the objectives outlined within the Tribal Pacific Lamprey Restoration Plan (TPLRP) in coordination with the CRITFC member tribes (Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation) under the ‘Implement Tribal Pacific Lamprey Restoration Plan’ Project (BPA Project 2008-524-00). The Lamprey Biologist will conduct research, monitoring, and evaluation of lamprey at all life history stages and throughout the Columbia River Basin in close coordination with the CRITFC member tribes and with our regional partners. A primary duty of the Lamprey Biologist position will be to coordinate genetics research, monitoring, and evaluation studies and collaborate with tribal biologists and regional partners to collect tissue samples from lamprey of all life history stages throughout the Columbia River Basin and elsewhere for genetics analysis. Tissue samples are processed at the Hagerman, Idaho Genetics laboratory and analyzed by geneticists at Portland and the Hagerman lab. Additionally, the Lamprey Biologist will collaborate on research, regional planning and education/outreach activities, support the translocation efforts, and assist CRITFC member tribes with field work. The Lamprey Biologist will work in close coordination with the fish science department staff.

Department: Fish Management

Classification: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Salary/Wage: $62,000-$74,312 (DOQ)

Location: Portland, OR

Specific duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Coordination and organization of samples and metadata associated with the genetic research, monitoring, and evaluation program of the Pacific lamprey restoration activities in the Columbia River basin (samples have been increasing each year with ~12K samples in 2018 and ~15k samples in 2019).
• Assist the member tribes with field work associated with lamprey restoration activities and research, monitoring, and evaluation to monitor these activities (e.g. electrofishing, collection of samples/metadata, translocation releases, physical tagging of adults and juveniles, and some assistance with artificial propagation programs). This includes travel to the CRITFC member tribes’ facilities, field work within the ceded territories and elsewhere as needed.
• Assist with the organization of metadata and genetic results for analysis and interpretation. Among the work products is an interactive map that is currently in development and pinpoints all the restoration activities (translocation releases, larval and juvenile surveys, etc.) which will eventually be integrated with genetic results. This will allow for adaptive management and planning future restoration work based on direct evidence of success of efforts in the past using genetic analysis and abundance estimates.
• Assist with report writing and executing research to explore biological uncertainties related to Pacific lamprey.
• Present research results at professional conferences, scientific meetings, and tribal briefings.
• Other duties to be determined to implement the objectives contained within the TPLRP and the objectives of the CRITFC member tribe’s lamprey projects and other regional partners.
• Coordinate with member tribes and regional partners through attendance and participation in monthly/quarterly/annual meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Overnight travel may be required occasionally for field work, workshops, conferences, and other tasks.

• Preferred education: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in biology, resource management, ecology, or related field of conservation or ecology. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of relevant field experience preferred.
• Experience in use of field techniques for capture and sampling of lamprey including electrofishing and other survey techniques.
• Experience or knowledge of fish tagging (PIT tag, acoustic tags, radio tags, etc.)
• Familiarity with CRITFC mission preferred.
• Familiarity with CRITFC member tribes and the tribe’s lamprey projects preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with representatives from tribal and non-tribal agencies.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage, organize and multitask to carry out and coordinate multiple projects.
• Somewhat frequent travel required to perform field work.
• Experience working with the CRITFC member tribes preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work in the field under strenuous conditions.

This position reports to the Department Manager within the Fish Management Department.

This position may supervise the lamprey collection technicians, fish technicians, interns, or contract employees as needed.

The working conditions will include office work, sitting or standing indoors at a computer for 8 hours per day; and/or field work. Field conditions may include inclement weather in adverse conditions (heat, cold, wet, slippery, etc.), heavy lifting, hiking, operating motor vehicles, conducting work on land and water, and other hazardous conditions.

The driver operating a CRITFC vehicle or their own private vehicle for business related purposes shall be in possession of a valid, unrestricted current driver’s license, or other operator’s license, as required by law; and be eligible for coverage under CRITFC’s Motor Vehicle insurance policy. Upon request, CRITFC’s Motor Vehicle policy is available to applicants to review the required criteria.

Click here to download the CRITFC job application form.

Hiring preference will be given to qualified enrolled members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska natives, especially to members of the four CRITFC member tribes (Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla, and Nez Perce).

Note: No incomplete application will be considered.

Send complete application materials including a cover letter, CV/resume, completed job application (available on our website athttps://www.critfc.org/critfc-employment-opportunities/ or by calling 503.238.0667), and a list of at least three professional references to:

Submit to:

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Attn: Human Resources

700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 1200

Portland, Oregon 97232

Email: hr@critfc.org

Fax: 503.235.4228