Biologist – fisheries – Grant County Public Utility District  – Vantage, WA

DESCRIPTION:

Works under the direction of the Fish, Wildlife and Water Quality Manager (and/or Senior Fisheries Scientist, Fisheries Scientist, and Senior Biologist) to manage and implement various fisheries, wildlife, and water quality programs necessary to ensure that all compliance requirements associated with the Priest Rapids Project License are met.  This position requires a degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, Limnology, or closely related discipline.  The person in this position will participate in the development of the District’s wildlife management plans, rare plant programs, resident and anadromous fish programs, and will provide biological expertise and internal and external coordination of other wildlife and fishery programs.  The person in this position will ensure the accurate entry of data and write reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·       Provides technical assistance to the Manager of Fish, Wildlife and Water Quality, Fisheries Scientist, Senior Biologist and License Compliance Coordinator for efforts to meet the requirements included in the Biological Opinions, Salmon Steelhead Settlement Agreement, Hanford Reach Agreement, and other required measures included in the Priest Rapids Project License.

·       Responsible for the management, oversight, and reporting on a variety of wildlife and fisheries evaluations.   This may include such things as the northern wormwood conservation agreement, northern wormwood monitoring program, rare, threatened, and endangered plant monitoring program, avian predator and northern pike minnow control programs, and wildlife habitat improvement projects.  

·       Assists in the completion of regulatory permitting processes (BA’s, BE’s. JARPA’s, SEPA’s, 401 Certification, HPA’s, etc.), preparing analyses, reports and limited interaction with agency and tribal biologists.

·       Assists in the design and implementation of studies to insure that meaningful information is collected.  

·       Performs routine data collection and monitoring activities on a variety of wildlife, fisheries and botanical programs.  

·       May be required to represent the District in agency consultation meetings, which may include, but not limited to, wildlife, anadromous and resident fish, botanical, and activities related to the Hanford Reach and Salmon and Steelhead Settlement Agreements.

·       Required to pursue continuing education opportunities and professional development through active involvement in professional societies such as the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society.

 EDUCATION:

·       The Biologist III position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, Limnology, or closely related Environmental Sciences and a minimum of 3 years of experience.

EXPERIENCE:

·       Requires basic knowledge of scientific research methodology and broad knowledge of Columbia River Basin wildlife, fisheries, and water quality issues.  Working knowledge of wildlife, botanical, and fisheries sampling techniques are required.  Must have experience with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to fisheries, wildlife, and water quality, and related environmental sciences including ESA, NEPA, and FERC relicensing.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·       Required to have basic knowledge of statistics, be computer literate, and have a basic understanding of wildlife, fisheries, and water quality issues as they relate to hydroelectric facilities.  

·       Must have basic knowledge of wildlife and botanical monitoring as well as being familiar with fish sampling techniques and habitat evaluation and restoration activities.

·       Must demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, and oversee projects, both long and short term and work successfully in a high paced environment, under strict deadlines.  The Biologist III must be able to communicate effectively in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner.

·       Should be familiar with FERC fish and wildlife agreements and the NW Power Act and concomitant fish and wildlife issues affecting the District and be familiar with environmental regulations and natural resource laws.

·       Must be able to complete the necessary permitting requirements for projects they oversee, as well as perform contract development and administration.

·       Required to perform a majority of the work in the field that varies by season.  Field related activities may include long hours and nighttime work.

·       Must be able to operate 4×4 trucks and have experience in operating 16-24’ boats powered by either prop or jet units.  Travel will be within the county for most field work; however regional travel for meetings with regulatory agencies may also be required.

·       Must be able to communicate effectively with people in diverse job classes and particularly with peers.  

·       Must be able to express self in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner when providing oral or written reports.  

·       Must be imaginative, creative and resourceful in high-pressure situations and under adverse working conditions.

·       Must be able to use good judgment, be adaptable and flexible, and maintain a positive, highly motivated attitude.  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENT:

·       Able to work in a team environment and be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals within Natural Resources and with other Divisions within the District.

·       The work environment is fast paced and requires a high level of comprehension, concentration, and be able to multi-task.  Multi-tasking is a critical element of day to day duties and responsibilities.  

Closing Date to Apply:  September 30, 2011, at 3:00 p.m.

Excellent compensation and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

References and Background Checks are done as part of our employment process.

Apply by visiting our website http://www.gcpud.org/jobs/index.php.