Fish Passage Biologist (Natural Resources Analyst, Principal)

  • City of Tacoma, WA
  • Tacoma, Washington
  • Jul 12, 2024
Full Time Administrative Analysis and Research Natural Resources Planning and Development Sciences and Laboratory
  • Salary: $107,328.00 - $151,112.00 Annually USD

Job Description

Position Description

Check out what the team is up to, and what they have to offer!
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd418c7ce7d846618cf14d09da16ad50

The Tacoma Power Generation Natural Resources Team is growing!
We are currently looking to add 1 position to the Natural Resources Team: Fish Passage Biologist!

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Position Description:
We are currently seeking an accomplished Senior Fish Passage Biologist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role is tailor-made for an experienced professional who thrives on leading impactful fish passage programs within hydroelectric dam projects within an ecosystem management context! This position will oversee the development of study designs, study implementation, data analysis, reporting of study results, and make recommendations associated with the improvement of upstream and downstream fish passage within the various project sites. Work is outlined under the framework of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Licensees, within our four project sites - Cushman, Cowlitz, Nisqually, and Wynoochee.

This position will also work collaboratively across various Natural Resource teams to ensure that FERC standards and agency goals are being met and recommend adjustments to fish passage programs to achieve goals. In addition, this person will also be responsible for collaborating with related partners to ensure that operational and investment decisions are being made from an ecosystem perspective.

This position also leads monthly agency meetings focused on the topics of fish passage and strategy implementation. Acting under the guidance of the Science and Research Manager and the Natural Resources Manager, the Fish Passage Biologist will adeptly negotiate in these crucial subject areas.

Your insights will contribute to well-informed decisions on ecosystem-level projects. This includes guiding responsible investment recommendations associated with limiting factors while balancing the natural environment with clean energy production. These are critical functions that are required by the FERC license obligations and require the attention of a full-time expert. If you're a dedicated expert seeking an opportunity to make a tangible impact and drive vital functions, then this full-time position is designed for you!

Fish Passage Specialist Responsibilities will include:
  • Serve as Team Expert - Serve as an expert to the Natural Resources team in the field of fish passage for our upstream and downstream evaluations, modeling, forecasts, applied science study design, and natural resource planning efforts. Provide mentorship and technical skill in these areas to staff within Natural Resources when needed to advance these programs.
  • Manage the fish capture efficiency and survival program - Lead the initiative in planning and implementing complex experimental designs that seek to increase fish passage efficiencies around utility operations. This will include overseeing contractors involved with fish passage monitoring and evaluation programs in association with Tacoma Power’s fish mitigation programs.
  • Partner with Science and Research Programs - Work with internal staff and external partners/co-managers that are dedicated to advancing FERC license objectives while achieving environmental excellence that align with overall organization strategies that account for re-licensing needs. This individual will take part in broader ecosystem projects across the organization as well as mentor staff.
  • Lead Subcommittees - Lead and/or contribute to fisheries committees dedicated to improving fish passage as delegated by the Science and Research manager or the Natural Resources Manager. Work with FERC regulatory partners to develop mutually agreeable solutions to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Negotiate - As directed and within the constructs provided by the Natural Resources Manager, negotiate fish passage, design monitoring and evaluation strategies for fish passage, and use data to determine improvement in facility operations. In collaboration with the Natural Resource team, this individual will conduct necessary pre-work to ensure effective and positive relationship and effective outcomes.

Interested? please apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment

Minimum Experience*
5 years of professional level experience in environmental programs including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment
Washington State Driver's License (or ability to obtain if relocating to WA state)

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt. if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Positions in this class typically require:
  • remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
  • constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions.
  • communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking.
  • occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work.)
Work may also occasionally require:
  • movement around the work place to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
  • traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
  • exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

Apply:
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration. Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 7/30/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Address

Tacoma, Washington United States View Map