Fisheries Ecologist - Field Data Collection

Position Requirements

• US Citizenship Required
• Full time Onsite Position at the NWFSC, Seattle, WA or at one of its associated field stations in WA or OR
• Travel is anticipated
• Anticipated Start: 4th quarter FY 2026
• Position is Subject to Contract Award

The Fisheries Ecologist supports the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) Fish Ecology Division in conducting ecological research and quantitative analyses of marine and anadromous fish species throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams of scientists, natural resource managers, and tribal representatives, the Fisheries Ecologist contributes to research that informs fisheries management, conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable harvest opportunities under the Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and other applicable authorities.

The position combines field research, laboratory work, ecological data analysis, scientific communication, and development of decision‑support tools to improve fisheries management and ecosystem understanding. The Fisheries Ecologist plays a key role in collecting and analyzing biological and environmental data, developing reproducible scientific workflows, and disseminating research findings to management agencies and scientific communities.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field related to the task order, with emphasis in fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
• Experience – Three (3) years of experience related to the task order, including familiarity with the species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries in the West Coast region. An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, experience writing reports and publishing peer‑reviewed articles. Familiarity with common software such as Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Strong quantitative skills including familiarity with modeling and data analysis. Familiarity with software such as R and Git Hub.
• Ability to manage workload, stay organized, and produce high‑quality work products efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and on interdisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license during the period of performance.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) for Tasks 1‑3 highly preferred.
• Peer‑reviewed publication record in fisheries ecology, quantitative ecology, or related field.
• Collaboration with tribal representatives and regional resource management partners.
• Presenting results at regional and national scientific meetings and conferences.
• Familiarity with Pacific salmon, groundfish, or other NOAA West Coast managed species.
• Experience with Bayesian or hierarchical modeling approaches.

Think Tank Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.