Job Details

Anadromous Fisheries Sr. Research Scientist

DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources - Fish & Wildlife Program

LOCATION: Plummer, ID, Coeur d'Alene ID, and Spokane WA; preferred location Spokane WA. No remote work.

• The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is seeking applicants for a Research Scientist to assist in implementing a feasibility study for the single largest salmon reintroduction initiative in North America. This position will work with top scientists and fisheries managers from across the Pacific Northwest, including federal, state, international, and tribal action agencies. Long-term funding has been fully secured for this position and for carrying out the Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP) developed by the tribes of the Upper Columbia River. This position will also be responsible for helping to develop and implement a Hatchery Master Plan and Hatchery Research & Evaluation Plan specific to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's upcoming anadromous aquaculture program.
• Work performed will be under the direct supervision of the Anadromous Division Lead and in coordination with other Fisheries Program staff and the Fish and Wildlife Program Manager. Coordination with staff from partner tribes, private subcontractors, and federal and state agencies will also be necessary. Considerable latitude for independent judgement and action related to the program objectives shall be provided to the incumbent once comfort is gained with expertise and program familiarity.
• Must have strong collaborative skills and the ability to adaptively manage research projects as new information is gathered throughout the duration of the program. Must be culturally sensitive to a diverse customer population and able to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, all levels of Tribal staff and management, and across multiple tribes with differing goals.
• Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Successful applicant will perform other duties as assigned to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the Natural Resource Department. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Develop study designs and implement studies specific to salmon survival, behavior and productivity throughout their life-cycle
• Manage, summarize and analyze large datasets using statistical methods in a timely fashion for internal decision-making processes and external reporting
• Draft Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E) reports under the requirements defined by Tribal administrators and federal action agencies
• Use GIS to assist in the development of maps and/or geodatabases with the Tribe's highly-rated GIS Department
• Assist in gathering and entering data in the field, laboratory, and within multiple regional databases (PTAGIS, RMIS, DART, etc.).
• Author peer-reviewed scientific and professional journal articles

Coordination

• Work closely with staff from partner tribes and the Upper Columbia United Tribes for day-to-day operations and project implementation
• Work closely with subcontracted scientists and engineers on salmon studies and fish passage planning, design and testing projects
• Coordinate with federal agencies such as the US Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA Fisheries, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Bonneville Power Administration on upcoming studies and access to federally-owned facilities
• Coordinate with Avista Corporation at privately-owned hydroelectric facilities within the project area
• Coordinate with Public Utility Districts at Mid-Columbia River hydro-projects and hatcheries
• Engage in newly established and current workgroups specific to salmon management and research in the Columbia River basin (UC BAAF, CBC, NWD-NP TMT, HCP, etc.)
• Keep Tribal staff and administration informed of project schedules, major milestones, and project deliverables

Travel

• Attend and present at (in person or remotely) salmon management workgroups
• Attend and present at (in person or remotely) fisheries professional conferences throughout the region, the United Sates, and internationally
• Attend and participate (in person or remotely) in coordination meetings throughout the region, the United States, and internationally

Minimum Qualifying Education and Experience

• A PhD from an accredited college or university in the application of natural resource or environmental sciences (Fisheries Science preferred) AND 36 months of associated experience
• OR a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the application of natural resource or environmental science (Fisheries Science preferred) AND 60 months of associated experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of salmon habitats, ecological processes, life cycle, and environmental and anthropogenic pressures on salmon recovery
• Understanding of Columbia River Fisheries management and the Federal CRSO
• Understanding of salmon management in the basin including hatchery and natural production, ESA protections, and species (native and non-native) interactions
• Strong professional writing, presenting and organizational skills
• Ability to adaptively manage with new information and under new policy pressures
• Ability to define research problems and determine extent and type of information needed
• Ability to initiate, plan, and design independent experimental research and implement results of research findings
• Ability to use statistical analytical software (SAS, R, SYSTAT, etc.)
• Ability to operate and maintain work boats, trucks, and trailers
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions, often under long hours and multiple days
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, cooperative, multi-agency and public work environment

Location
This position requires employee to work from a Coeur d'Alene Tribal office. The Tribe has offices in Plummer, ID, Coeur d'Alene, ID and in Spokane, WA. The preferred location for this position is in Spokane, WA. Remote work is unavailable for this position.

Benefits
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe offers one of the most generous benefits packages of any employer in the region and includes:

• Employer paid (fully) medical, dental and vision insurance, extending to spouse and dependents
• Disability and Life Insurance
• 401K retirement (100% matching up to 5%)
• Flexible spending account
• Free access to Marimn Health Wellness Center including full gym, pool and exercise facilities
• Generous paid time-off policy
• Paid holidays (Federal and Tribal)

Total Compensation: $89,419.98-$135,811.86 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon the employee's enrollment choices.

Tribal Employment Policy
An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether they meet minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or other guarantee of any employment position within the Tribe.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Positions with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Pay Range: $78,000 - $106,000 per year