Earth Scientist – Fisheries Research & Field Operations

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth & Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or interactions of these systems with human activities. Uses scientific principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or integrated assessment.

Be a part of a large interdisciplinary team that researches the effects of hydropower operations on passage and survival of juvenile salmon and Pacific lamprey throughout the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other river systems across the Pacific Northwest. As an Earth Scientist 2, the position applies S&E principles and develops technical approaches to solve challenges, while taking on greater independence and leadership in field operations and data collection.

These studies involve deploying, retrieving, maintaining, and testing acoustic and radio telemetry equipment; leading and overseeing tagging or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish; and coordinating transport and release of live tagged fish according to detailed project schedules. Project responsibilities include defining and leading project tasks, independently managing logistics, overseeing and ensuring the quality of field data collection, conducting data analysis, and leading the drafting of report sections or full reports.

This position also includes significant boating responsibilities. The role frequently operates boats to deploy and maintain telemetry equipment, support field deployments, and manage associated logistics and field equipment. Boat operations may include operating 18‑ to 26‑foot single‑prop and dual‑prop outboard boats, as well as jet boats, on large river systems throughout the Pacific Northwest with potentially strong currents and variable weather conditions.

The position contributes to safe and efficient boating activities during changing field conditions or schedule demands,…