Position: Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Program Performance

The Council seeks an experienced Fish and Wildlife Biologist to join the Fish and Wildlife Division, with a work focus on program performance.

The Council is an interstate compact agency formed by the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington pursuant to the 1980 Northwest Power Act. The Act requires the Council develop, with broad public participation, a regional power plan and fish and wildlife program. The Council consists of eight members. The governors of the four states appoint two members to serve on the Council. The members are supported by the central office staff based in Portland, Oregon and several staff located in each state office.

This position will be part of the central office Fish and Wildlife Division and will report directly to the fish and wildlife division director. This position will work directly with other staff in the division and state staff, to evaluate performance and implementation of the Council’s Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program (Program).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for contributing to Program reports including (1) evaluation and summary content to the Council’s Program Performance & Progress webtool, (2) detailed evaluation of and reporting on progress toward meeting Program goals and objectives and (3) developing new innovative formats for displaying and sharing information on Program performance.

The Program performance reporting efforts will be done in collaboration with the Council members, fish and wildlife division staff, public affairs staff, as well as others from around the region such as the fish and wildlife managers and researchers from the tribes and federal and state agencies and independent science groups. This staff member will also work with state fish and wildlife agencies, tribes, federal agencies including the Bonneville Power Administration and independent scientists on various Council-led processes including Program amendments and project reviews.

The Council seeks someone with the ability to:

  • Synthesize, analyze and report fish and wildlife data over various scales and timeframes to contribute to evaluation of the performance and implementation for the Program strategy areas of fish and wildlife habitat, hydrosystem and hatcheries
  • Work with a variety of different types of data and information from various Columbia Basin fish and wildlife databases and information sources
  • Work with division staff to develop methods to assemble and organize existing data and information to evaluate program performance
  • Collaborate effectively and extensively with stakeholders and representatives from state and federal agencies, tribes and others in the Columbia Basin on data gathering, performance reporting needs and reporting requirements
  • Develop and contribute to reports, presentations and various web tools to share information about program performance
  • Work with the Public Affairs Division to ensure that technical information is communicated effectively for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Assist in planning and executing various Council processes such as program amendments and project reviews

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in biology or a related field, with quantitative analysis skills and experience
  • Experience in performing biological and ecological analysis and reporting and presenting this information to a variety of audiences
  • Ability to interpret quantitative biological information at various scales
  • Experience in conducting meta-analyses examining findings across numerous studies
  • Experience with current statistical software for fisheries data statistical analysis, as well as other tools including spreadsheets, databases, and geographic information systems
  • Ability to develop creative approaches for communicating fish and wildlife information verbally and in writing to decision-makers and non-technical and technical audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a variety of entities such as state and federal agencies and tribes on natural resource issues
  • Good communication, interpersonal and listening skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Experience in Pacific Northwest and Columbia River Basin fish and wildlife issues and basic knowledge of regional data and information sources

Compensation

The Council provides a competitive structure of compensation and benefits. Salary range information provided upon request. Please contact Sandra Hirotsu, Administrative Division Director, shirotsu@nwcouncil.org.

To Apply

Interested parties should submit their resumes and a writing sample to: Sandra Hirotsu, Administrative Division Director, shirotsu@nwcouncil.org.

Application material should be submitted by August 31, 2020.

The Council is seeking to fill this position in September 2020. At this time, where our central office is closed and staff is working remotely, we anticipate a virtual interview process. Part of the process may include asking each candidate to prepare and present on a technical subject relevant to the Council’s fish and wildlife program. Additional information about the process and scheduling will be provided to candidates selected for an interview.

EOE Statement

The Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, or military or veteran status.