Shellfish Biologist

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Full Time Port Angeles, WA, US

Salary Range: $32.00 To $38.00 Hourly

OVERVIEW :
This position supports the sustainable management of shellfish resources primarily associated with tribal dive fisheries (geoduck, horse clams, sea urchins, and California sea cucumber) that are co-managed by the Tribe, Salish Sea Tribes, and Washington State. The Shellfish Biologist emphasis on the subtidal dive fishery. This involves field and desktop research and monitoring, and coordination with Salish Sea Tribes and Washington State co-managers, to ensure shellfish resources are harvested in a sustainable manner.

SUPERVISED BY:
Natural Resources Director

POSITION STATUS:
Regular full time / 40
-hours / Benefits

SALARY LEVEL: ( $32.00 - $38.00 hourly) DOQ

WORK SCHEDULE:

M-F, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Some flexibility possible)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
The Shellfish Biologist will lead research, monitoring, and propagation activities related to shellfish species harvested by the Tribe; provide guidance to harvest managers regarding shellfish life history, population dynamics and other factors relating to harvest management decision making; lead geoduck stock assessment activities; and coordinate geoduck sample collection.

These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Co-managementofshellfish resources in relevant shellfish management areaswith other
  
  Salish Sea Tribes and Washington State agencies.
• Assist fisheries managers in evaluating fisheries-dependent and independent data to support recommendations for annual catch limits and fishing practices.
• Responsible for thedesign, collection, analysis, and interpretation of shellfish data.
• Periodictravelto various locations in Puget Sound to attendshellfishannualharvest managementplanningmeetings, as needed.
• Assist with the collection and analysisofshellfish data(geoduck, crab,bivalves,& shrimp) that will help inform harvest management decisions.
• Participation in monthly Fish Committee meetings and periodic regional shellfish co-management meetings.
• Assist tribal harvest managers in coordinating with
  
  Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) and other tribeswithgeneratingand interpret fisheries modelsandevaluate trends andshellfishpopulationforecasts.
• Monitor Washington State Department of Health (DOH) biotoxin results related togeoduck and other bivalve shellfish areas.
• Assistwithsubtidalstock assessment surveys
• Participate inregulartechnical and policy level shellfish managementmeetingswith state and tribal co-managers, as needed in support of harvest management staff.
• Manageandmaintainsampling& diveequipmentandensure thatdive gearisannuallyserviced.
• Assistwithmonitoring intertidal bivalve harvests,and conduct weigh-outs, asneeded.
• Develop experimental designs andmethodsnecessary for scientific research and analysisofshellfishpopulation trends.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, or related field, preferred.
• B.S. Degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, or related field plus 3 years of experience with marine fisheries.
• PADI or NAUI open water dive certification is required;
  Advanced diver certification is preferred.
• Experience with the use of statistical software to analyze biological data.
• Experience in conducting scientific dive surveys in cold water environments, preferred.
• Some familiarity with Salish Sea shellfish fisheries and harvest techniques preferred.
• Experience with marine fisheries management preferred.
• Experience with boat operation preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES REQUIRED BY POSITION:

• Familiarity with commercial & subsistence shellfish species identification and associated life history characteristics.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to prescribed routines and practices, policies, and procedures.
• Advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word is preferred.
• Significant knowledge of scientific methods and study design necessary to establish monitoring programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good communications with tribal staff, tribal and state co-managers, and tribal commercial fishers.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Requires ability to work independently and as a team member with fisheries and harvest management staff.

OTHER DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to comply with the LOWER ELWHA KLALLAM TRIBE policies and procedures, including the Drug Free Workplace.
• Valid Washington State drivers license with no restrictions
• Pass pre-employment, UA and State Background check.

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring in Accordance with P.L. 93- 638.