Fishery Biologist - Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program

Position: Fishery Biologist 2 - Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a Fisheries Biologist 2 to support field research for the Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program. The Commission's Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program works to improve fishing gears and methods through experimental research conducted in collaboration with West Coast fishermen. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help design and implement field research, and evaluate testing results, for potential bycatch reduction techniques in collaboration with the industry, fishermen, fisheries managers, and scientists.

This position will be located in Oregon (Corvallis or Newport) with a projected start date of July 1st, 2026. This is a full-year, full-time position with benefits.

ROLE/PROJECT SPECIFICS

This position will coordinate and conduct field research and evaluations to: (1) reduce salmon bycatch in the Pacific Hake (whiting) fishery; (2) investigate alternative fishing technologies in the Dungeness Crab fishery; and (3) develop fishing gear to reduce the effects of barotrauma and improve the survival of rockfish during longline operations.

Specifically, the field work will evaluate the efficacy of artificial light as a potential salmon bycatch reduction technique in the Pacific Hake fishery, test the efficacy of fishing longline-configured crab pots to reduce the presence of vertical lines and mitigate the risks of entangling marine life in the Dungeness crab fishery, and test two recompression methods in the longline rockfish fishery.

This work is highly collaborative requiring constructive engagement with fishers, industry, industry groups, fishery managers, federal/state/academic research scientists, and the public.

Essential Functions:

(The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

At the lower end of the range, Fishery Biologist 2:

* Following existing protocols testing bycatch reduction gear and technology; conduct tissue sample collection. Recommend modifications of existing research protocols. Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data. Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.

* Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to best meet data requirements. Write memoranda and reports necessary for transfer of information to the appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.

* Oversee and assist with comparative testing of fishing gears to reduce bycatch; recommend procedure variations. Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis. Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.

* Plan, design, schedule, and conduct fish catch and effort surveys for marine fisheries. Prepare reports and presentations as requested. Provide expertise in improvements to the design of bycatch reduction technology and deployment techniques.

* Conduct limited physical and biological environmental sampling. Responsible for conducting data investigation and research, drafting technical reports, database management, GIS for all physical and biological data, and survey and inventory results. Prepare, present, implement and update bycatch technology evaluation plans.

* Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports. Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.

* Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.

At the upper end of the range, the Fishery Biologist 2 has specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques of a complex area of fish biology sufficient to serve as a troubleshooter or specialist. The employee is competent to modify or adapt standard techniques, processes and procedures, and to assess, select, apply precedents and devise strategies and plans to overcome significant problems related to species production, protection, habitat restoration, or program management and evaluation.

Planning reports generated by employees at this level assess the impact of various multi-faceted management or public practices on a resource. Upper range work examples include:

* Conduct catch data comparative analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction technologies and deployment techniques.

* Plan, design and implement research studies for the evaluation of bycatch reduction approaches.

* Develop modifications to bycatch reduction approaches and experimental protocols.

* Write publishable reports of research and project findings.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

The employee must have knowledge of:

* Fishery biology

* Experience working with the West…