GENERAL INFORMATION: The Senior Aquatic Resource Biologist will work at the direction of the Natural Resources Supervisor to resolve water quality, fish and other natural resources issues associated with the operation of the Wells Hydroelectric Project. This position will be primarily responsible for collecting and reporting data and developing and conducting studies necessary to demonstrate the Wells Hydroelectric Project’s compliance with the Washington State water quality standards. This position may also be involved in developing and conducting studies on resident and anadromous fish and invasive species.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of a Master of Science degree in fisheries biology or other equivalent science degree is required. Background with a water quality monitoring (e.g., limnology, hydrology, hydraulic engineering, and compliance) is highly desirable. Experience working on or around large hydroelectric projects and with anadromous fish is desirable, as is experience participating in multi-party collaborative processes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Design and implement water quality and fishery resource studies associated with the implementation of the Wells Project 401 water quality certification, Wells Anadromous Fish Agreement (HCP), Wells Aquatic Settlement Agreement, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) operating license. Activities that may be assigned to this position include water quality and resident fish sampling, aquatic invasive species sampling, predator control program activities, project management for major fish passage and rearing facilities, bull trout incidental take and passage monitoring, sturgeon life history and supplementation studies, and lamprey passage and survival evaluations.
2. Conduct analyses, run models and prepare regulatory documents and reports. Review models, analyses and reports prepared in other forums and determine their applicability to operations at Wells Dam, the 401 water quality certification, existing fish settlement agreements and compliance with the FERC operating license.
3. Participate on interdisciplinary teams working on strategic fish, water quality and aquatic resources issues.
4. Administer contracts and budgets associated with each of the aquatic resource projects assigned to the Senior Aquatic Resource Biologist.
5. Participate in Endangered Species Act consultations related to fishery enhancement facilities and other hydro-related in-water construction projects.
6. Represent the District in regional water quality, hydro operations, fish-recovery planning, and habitat enhancement forums.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. A strong scientific background in water quality or fisheries biology/ecology coupled with an applied understanding of statistical and analytical principles commonly used in aquatic resources management.
2. Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.
3. Extensive knowledge and proficiency in the utilization of computer software programs (MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.).
4. Candidates must be physically able to perform field research including walking or wading into remote locations, working in and around cold water and be physically able to carry up to 40 pounds of field equipment.
