Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of Fishery Biologist 1, located at the McNary Dam in Umatilla, Oregon. This is a full-time seasonal position with a projected start date of March 17th, 2026, lasting for 9 months or less. 

Position/Project Specifics:

The employee will participate in, and sometimes lead, all sampling and handling of juvenile fish. This sampling will include species composition, weight and length measurements, descaling and injury rate determination, recovery of marked fish, PIT tag database work, and Gas Bubble Trauma monitoring.

The employee will participate in computer data entry and analysis. This work will include daily entry of sampling and collection data for the Fish Passage Center (FPC), US Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), as well as computation and analysis of juvenile salmonid run timing, passage success at mainstem hydroelectric projects and specific stock assessment through the use of spreadsheet and graphic programs.

The employee may participate in the development, implementation, supervision, data analysis, and reporting of thermal data collected on the project for the COE.

The employee will prepare a brief weekly summary report of the juvenile fish collection and transportation activities for distribution to other states, federal, and tribal fishery agencies. The employee will also prepare annual and interim reports and research proposals.

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 under close to general supervision.)

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
• Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.
• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
• Assist in design, development, and installation of components of naturalistic environments. Assist with analysis of the behavior of different species in simulated environments. Videotape, photograph, and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success, and anti-predator behavior.
• Establish and direct sport, commercial, hatchery, and natural spawn sampling and bio-sampling protocols to best meet data requirements.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish). Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e­mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
• Knowledge of database management.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Literature search/review
• Valid Driver's License
• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, statistical)
• Oral communication skills
• Written communication skills
• Fish Species ID Skills

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Lift 40­-50 lbs.
• CPR/First Aid
• Using fish keys
• Handheld data recorder
• Repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate ­­where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous. In the latter case, the employee must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Location USACE McNary DamProject Length9 months or lessPosition TypeSeasonalTravel RequirementsUp to 10%BenefitsSeasonal Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, FSA and Deferred Compensation. Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year, 12 paid holidays, bereavement and jury duty pay. All seasonal employees are eligible for 8 hours of personal leave at the beginning of the season, followed by an accrual rate of .016 per hour worked up to a maximum of 40 hours total. DrivingPersonal Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.

Salary Target

$ 19.58-$31.54/hrClosing DateMar 06, 2026