Shellfish-Biologist

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 9:59 AM

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

J OB Announcement

Open:
August 28, 2026 Close:
October 16, 2026

Job Title:

Biologist Department:
Shellfish

Reports To:

Director

Hours:

40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary:
Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits Requisition: 946

* Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call  or email (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Interprets biological/scientific information and provides recommendations based on Tribal interests. Performs biological field work as necessary. Works as a co-manager with other governments on resource management.

E SSENTIAL D UTIES AND R ESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates shellfish resource management by conducting stock assessments for various shellfish resources.
• Provides technical and biological representation on the Tribe’s behalf during inter-governmental negotiations.
• Develops codes and regulations in conjunction with commissions and attorneys to effectively manage shellfish resources.
• Analyzes stock assessment data and prepares summaries; evaluates current science to establish exploitation rates of shellfish resources; conducts fieldwork to develop and further refine exploitation rates.
• Provides technical testimony for any on-going legislative proceedings at the federal, state or local levels.
• Works in conjunction with the state health department and county jurisdictions to classify growing waters for commercial bi-valve harvest.
• Administers and ensures compliance with all shellfish sanitation issues and FDA rules regarding the harvest of and sale of bi-valve shellfish.
• Acts as an advocate for water quality restoration in currently prohibited areas.
• Prepares annual progress reports of program accomplishments and future goals and needs for compliance with BIA contract 638.
• Accurately keeps and updates a large database of shellfish harvest information including financial information for individual harvesters.
• Account for all catch/harvest of commercial, ceremonial and subsistence shellfish harvest and assist the general membership with their shellfish treaty rights as needed.
• Administers the dive harvest safety training program, including annual physicals and quarterly drug screens for divers.
• Establishes aqua-culture of clams and oysters for Tribal Member use.
• Seeks out and assists with grant development and applications as assigned.
• Responsible for maintenance of boats and sampling gear.
• Assist Land Use with research on beach properties for appropriate land acquisition.
• Keep current with science and the inter-disciplinary nature of resource management including dive safety, shellfish sanitation and resource biology.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

S UPERVISORY R ESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities .

Bachelors (BS) or equivalent from four-year college or technical school in biology or fisheries; and two years related experience and/or training in shellfish resource assessment and management strategy; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (i.e. Word for Windows, Excel, Access, etc.)

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to…