Skagit River System Cooperative
11426 Moorage Way • P.O. Box 368 • La Conner, WA 98257-0368 Phone: 360-466-7228 • Fax: 360-466-4047 • www.skagitcoop.org
POSITION DESCRIPTION: ‘Forest and Fish’ Biologist
Approximate Start Date: January 2021
Employer and Position
The SRSC Forest and Fish Program covers the Skagit, Sauk and Samish River basins to help implement protection of fish habitat, waters and other treaty resources from forestry activities. The ‘Forest and Fish’ Biologist will perform a variety of technical, communication and administrative tasks to support the Program and broader SRSC goals (consult SRSC website).
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Office and field assessment of past and potential impacts of forestry activities on fish and other tribally valued resources.
2. Assess small streams to determine salmonid occupancy and suitability (AKA ‘Type F protocol survey’) and evaluate reports on this by other stakeholders.
3. Work efficiently in steep, heavily-vegetated mountain environments.
4. Conduct a range of office duties including permit review, data analysis, report writing, communication and planning.
5. Contribute, as assigned, to other projects or tasks required by SRSC or member tribes.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree in fisheries, environmental science or related ecological field; a master’s degree is preferred. Involvement in interdisciplinary courses and/or projects addressing land use, ecological interactions and environmental change is particularly applicable. Must have strong knowledge of salmonid species, life histories and habitat requirements.
Experience: A minimum of three years of scientific work experience is required; an advanced degree substitutes for two years of experience. Experience ideally includes a combination of field work, data analysis, report preparation and inter-personal collaboration. Experience working in environmental regulatory, inter-agency, and/or tribal contexts are highly relevant. Although other types of work experience will be considered, they will not be counted toward the 3- year minimum. Fisheries and Environmental Services Management for the Sauk-Suiattle and Swinomish Indian Tribes
Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated abilities to work productively and collaboratively in a variety of field, office and public settings is crucial. Therefore, candidates must have a mix of writing, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills.
Must have solid foundation with standard spreadsheet and word processing software. Significant expertise with ARC-GIS, remote imagery and their application is desirable. The applicant should have (or rapidly acquire) familiarity with the Forest and Fish Report (1999) and current Washington Forest Practices Rules. Must be able to work safely and efficiently in rugged forest and mountain stream environments, sometimes under challenging conditions and/or with less capable individuals. The position also requires safely navigating rough unmarked forest roads.
Administrative
Reports to: Forest and Fish Program Director. Work is based out of SRSC field office near Burlington, Washington. Due to COVID prevention practices, must be able to work efficiently from home for the foreseeable future.
Work Schedule: Full-time position (30-40 hours/week) with a standard work schedule of Monday-Thursday, 7-5. Occasional Friday work and overnight travel are expected.
Compensation: Initial salary approximately $3,800-5,000 per month, depending on qualifications, plus benefits. This position is intended as permanent but is contingent upon renewal of annual funding sources that are not guaranteed.
Legal: Viable applicants must have approved immigration status allowing them to work permanently in the US, as well as a valid driver’s license.
Cultural: Must be sensitive to Native American cultures, customs and traditions. Native hiring preference applies to this position.
Applying: Send resume and letter of interest to Janette Crume at the P O Box address at the top of this posting. Evaluation of applicants will begin December 1, 2020. Direct any questions to: cveldhuisen@skagitcoop.org.