FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 1 or FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 2

VACANCY ANN#:     STOI-26-008

TITLE:                            FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 1 OR FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 2

DEPARTMENT:          DNR – ANADROMOUS PROGRAM

SUPERVISOR:            ANADROMOUS PROJECT MANAGER

LOCATION:                 SPOKANE, WA

STATUS:                      REGULAR FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY:            $26.73 - $37.00 PER HOUR

OPENING DATE:       FEBRUARY 10, 2026

CLOSING DATE:       FEBRUARY 27, 2026

INTRODUCTION:

This position will be responsible for leading research, monitoring, and evaluation efforts that directly inform anadromous reintroduction in the Little Spokane River. Duties include planning and implementing adult Chinook Salmon telemetry studies, spawning ground surveys, operating and maintaining a rotary screw trap and an instream PIT array to monitor juvenile outmigration. The incumbent will be expected to prepare crews for field operations, maintain and service research equipment, implement standardized data collection and management protocols, and perform the appropriate statistical analyses.

All candidates for this position must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to perform the job duties described. Qualifications, in the form of educational and professional experience, will determine which level they will be considered for, Biologist I or Biologist II.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead data collection, entry, and QA/QC for various salmon reintroduction sampling efforts. This is inclusive of specific P2IP studies (e.g., genetic samples, PIT tag data, radio and acoustic fish behavior data) and generalized research, monitoring, and evaluation activities such as fish transport events and spawning surveys.

Coordinate and perform research, monitoring, and evaluation needed for decision-making. Generally, this includes productivity, population and habitat monitoring in tributaries and large rivers/reservoirs.

Plan, install, calibrate, operate, and maintain rotary screw traps for monitoring juvenile salmonid outmigration; conduct daily fish processing, implant PIT tags, QA/QC of data, perform analysis and reporting for mark–recapture studies.

Plan and conduct adult Chinook Salmon monitoring using acoustic and radio telemetry; implant transmitters, perform active tracking, install, operate and maintain receivers.

Lead spawning ground and carcass surveys (on foot, raft, and where appropriate by UAS) for Chinook and other anadromous species; collect biological samples (length/weight, scales/otoliths, genetic samples) and enumerate redds.

Install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain PIT arrays and associated infrastructure (antennas, readers, solar/power, data loggers); perform routine diagnostics, firmware updates, and data integrity checks.

Regularly collect associated data such as length/weight and fish condition, enumeration data (manual and via PIT detection).

Prepare equipment and crews for field operations; maintain inventory, service schedules, and maintenance logs for vehicles, vessels, sampling gear, radio/acoustic receivers, and safety equipment.

Regularly clean and organize equipment and storage space, ensuring conditions are suitable for short and long-term storage of vehicles, vessels, and sampling equipment.

Purchase equipment and supplies needed for field operations.

Assist internal and external project partners with fish transport events, spawning surveys, tributary sampling efforts, and other job duties as assigned.

Ensure adherence to established SOPs, safety protocols, and programmatic standards; participate in the development and refinement of SOPs and training materials.

Analyze fisheries data using appropriate statistical and geospatial tools (e.g., R, GIS) and contribute to annual reports, white papers, and peer‑reviewed publications; present findings at public and professional meetings.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

Ability to lead and coordinate multi‑agency fieldwork while following established protocols and safety procedures.

Proficiency with rotary screw trap installation, operation, maintenance, calibration, PIT tag implanting, and mark–recapture analysis.

Working knowledge of acoustic and radio telemetry systems (transmitters, receivers) implant transmitters, mobile tracking, and data management workflows.

Experience installing, operating, and maintaining PIT arrays and handheld readers; understanding detection efficiency, diagnostics, and data QA/QC.

Ability to identify Pacific Northwest salmonids across life stages.

Competence operating vessels (jet/outboard), trailering, and conducting fieldwork in rivers/reservoirs across a range of weather and flow conditions.

Skilled in data management and analysis (MS Office, R, and GIS preferred).

Strong written and verbal communication.

Self‑directed, organized, and able to work independently with limited supervision.

Have vehicle or access to transportation.

Ability to travel and stay overnight for up to five (5) days at a time.

Ability to lift 50 lbs, wade in swift water, and work in variable weather conditions, day or night, including weekends/holidays as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have valid driver’s license and be tribally insurable.

Must have or obtain a Washington Boater Education Card within 90 days of hiring; and,

Biologist I

A candidate at the Biologist I level is to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study and at least 1.5 years of relevant professional experience.

Duties typically include oversight of technicians and field crews, being ultimately responsible for data collection and integrity. This position is a contributing author for project reports, assisting higher level biologists with data analyses and report preparation. This position will also contribute to the design of future research projects. Administrative duties are typically limited but may include micro purchases, review of contracting materials, and contribute to the drafting of budgets.

Biologist II

A candidate at Biologist II, is to have a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience; OR

A M.Sc. in a related field with 1 year relevant experience.

Level II biologists may perform all duties of Level I while supervising scientific studies at the project-scale and drafting reports to satisfy contracting requirements. Much of the data analysis falls to Biologist Level II. This position is the lead for the development of study designs, associated budgets, project proposals, and contracting documents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Hands‑on experience operating and maintaining rotary screw traps for juvenile Chinook monitoring, including mark–recapture and QA/QC.

Experience installing, operating, and maintaining PIT detection systems (fixed arrays and handhelds), including solar/power systems and data management.

Experience conducting acoustic and radio telemetry, surgical tagging, active tracking, and receiver management.

Experience managing and analyzing telemetry and fisheries datasets in R and producing figures/maps for reporting.

Demonstrated leadership of field crews collecting fisheries data outdoors in adverse field conditions.

Previous experience trailering and operating powered vessels on rivers and/or reservoirs.

*Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Kammi Rosenbaum or Empero Corral

(509) 458-6527  

 E-mail:   [email protected]

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No

 Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation