ENHANCEMENT BIOLOGIST

Position Summary

Performs duties associated with research, protection and recovery of salmonid species within the Stillaguamish watershed by applying technical expertise of fish culture and enhancement biology to make improvements to the Tribe's hatchery enhancement program. Serves in a lead role for the Tribe's hatchery enhancement program. Applies knowledge of enhancement science and salmonid biology to fish culture and hatchery program planning. Provides administrative support and technical expertise to the Fisheries Manager, Director of Natural Resources, Hatchery Manager, and professionally represents the Tribe with other natural resource management agencies and authorities. Works with and cooperates with other federal, state, and local agencies as needed to meet established production goals in accordance with regulations and required permits. Analyzes data and methods to evaluate hatchery program practices and support remedial actions. Prepares grant applications, identifies and prioritizes hatchery reform projects, oversees facility maintenance and conducts training.

Along with the rest of the Natural Resources Department, this position works to protect and enhance the Tribe's treaty protected rights.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The position independently manages projects associated with protecting the treaty rights of the Stillaguamish Tribe. This includes:
• Responsible for the review and updating of hatchery program HGMPs, NPDES permit documents (SOPs, BMPs, QAPs, etc), Fish Health Plans and other hatchery formal operations documents.
• This position provides technical expertise relevant to fish culture and health at the Tribe's hatchery facilities.
• This position evaluates the immediate and long-term needs of the Tribe's hatchery operations and offers prescriptive plans to meet the Tribe's hatchery program goals.
• Project planning - this position is responsible for implementing assigned hatchery repair/reform/improvement projects with Hatchery Staff, and for ensuring the successful execution of the projects.
• Grant writing and management - this position is responsible for finding and obtaining the resources to fund the projects within their purview, including writing grants, managing grant reporting and budgeting.
• Fiscal management - this position is responsible for ensuring their project expenditures do not exceed budget. It is also responsible for informing the annual department budget.
• Resource management - this position is responsible for obtaining the equipment and supplies necessary to complete assigned projects as per the Tribe's procurement policy.
• Personnel management - this position directly supervises staff, including department technicians and other biologists while working on their assigned projects, and provides input into performance reviews.
• Policies and Procedures: Determines, administers, and executes policies relating to safety, administration, standards of hatchery operations, and facility maintenance. Responsible for the development, implementation and updating of all policies and procedures related to the hatchery program.
• Leadership - this position serves as a role model and mentor to other biologists and department technicians. This means setting a positive, professional example, and sharing knowledge and experience to ensure an efficient and effective team.
• This position works with the Hatchery Manager to provide operational oversight, training and assistance to hatchery staff to improve day-to-day hatchery operations.
• The position may collect field data to evaluate potential impacts and support remedial actions.
• The position works with other federal, state, and local agencies to identify and resolve hatchery operations and environmental issues.
• The position provides professional expertise for the Tribe in meetings and negotiations with other natural resource management agencies and authorities and participates in other activities in accordance with S. v. Washington, Civil 9213, and subsequent orders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises staff, including department technicians and other biologists while working on their assigned projects, and provides input into performance reviews.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of treaty fishing rights including compliance with S. vs. Washington, Civil 9213, and subsequent orders. Basic knowledge of the Stillaguamish Tribe and its Natural Resources programs.
• Ability to represent the Tribe professionally when interacting with the public, Tribal members, other Tribal technical staff and other agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively handle difficult situations.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for collecting scientifically credible field data related to natural resource management.
• Knowledge of the life history and specialized needs of salmonids.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for collecting scientifically credible data related to fish hatchery management.
• Ability to identify all five Pacific Salmon species as fry, smolt, and adults.
• Knowledge of salmonid anatomy (internal and external) and ability to sex adult salmon with confidence.
• Knowledge of fish diseases prevalent in salmonid culture and their treatments.
• Ability to work safely with chemicals and other drugs/sedatives used within salmonid culture.
• Knowledge of fish behaviors and ability to identify anomalous behaviors, including flashing, pin-heading, etc.
• Experience with Coded-wire tagging, mass-marking, and tag retention.
• Knowledge of water quality and the parameters tracked within Fish culture (D.O., pH, TSS, SS, transmissivity, flows, etc).
• Strong mathematical knowledge, including weir calculations, fish densities, and feed conversions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as hiking, swimming, heavy lifting and carrying in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing and the ability to write narrative reports in a clear and succinct manner.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office suite (including Word, Excel and Outlook) and use of the internet. Experience with Microsoft Access preferred.
• Flexible schedule and ability to work occasional weekends and unusual shifts.
• Ability to accept and provide supervision, follow oral and written instruction / directions, follow prescribed policies, protocols and procedures, and complete required administrative work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, strong work ethic with great attention to detail, and a strong interest in natural resource management.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Position Qualifications

To qualify for position: Graduation from an accredited four year college with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree focusing on fisheries, hatchery management or related field. A minimum of five years professional level experience directly working in a salmon hatchery facility.

Valid Washington State driver's license.

Travel Requirements

Local travel is frequently required. Travel outside of the state is infrequently required.

Annual salary $81,673

Full time employees are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D,
• Short & Long Term Disability:
• Effective on 1st of month after hire. Two plans to choose from - PPO or HDHP with a Health Savings Account.
• 401(k) Retirement: New employees are eligible to participate in the first quarter after 3 months of employment.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Full and Part Time Employees earn PTObeginning on their first day of work.Employees may use their accrued PTOafter 90-days of employment. PTOcombines vacation and sick leave.Yrs. of Svc.Annual PTO

0 to 115 days

1 to 318 days

3 to 524 days

5 and up27 days
Holidays - Regular Full-Time Employees Employees are paid for all federal holidays as well as certain tribally recognized holidays. Some departments may be required to work based on business needs.