Aquatic Resource Biologist

HEADQUARTERS:   East Wenatchee

JOB STATUS:           Regular/Full-Time

FLSA:                       Exempt

CLOSING DATE:      Open until filled – first review date, May 8, 2023

JOB NUMBER:         2312

Douglas PUD offers excellent working conditions and a competitive salary and benefit package. Employee benefits include: medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, personal leave plan, paid holidays, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), deferred compensation programs with employer matching, Health Reimbursement Accounts with employer contributions, Wellness Program, and training opportunities. Full benefit package may be viewed at www.uip-wa.org/douglaspud.

The successful incumbent for this position will be hired within an annualized salary range of $80,730 – 107,640, depending on qualifications for the position. The maximum in this pay scale is $134,550.

Position Summary:

The Aquatic Resource Biologist will work at the direction of the Natural Resources Supervisor to implement fish, aquatic resource, and water quality measures associated with the operation of the Wells Hydroelectric Project.  This position will be primarily responsible for achieving and maintaining compliance with the terms and conditions of the FERC license and permit conditions with an emphasis on water quality and resident Columbia River fishes, including developing and conducting studies necessary to demonstrate that compliance.  Specific license requirements are found within the District’s Aquatic Settlement Agreement and Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality permit.  The biologist will be expected to contribute and present technical information to a diverse group of agencies and tribes within meetings and conferences that include state, federal, and tribal partners.  The biologist will need to be comfortable and productive in an office setting and in the field seasonally.

Essential Functions:

• Design and implement fish and water quality studies associated with the implementation of the Aquatic Settlement Agreement, Section 401 Water Quality Certification, and the FERC license for the Wells Project.
• Perform analyses and critically prepare/review scientific documents and reports.
• Participate on interdisciplinary teams working on strategic resident fish, water quality, Bull Trout, White Sturgeon, Pacific Lamprey, Aquatic Nuisance Species, and aquatic resource issues.
• Present study findings and interact with state, federal, and tribal stakeholders.
• Lead/support the District’s NPDES Clean Water Act Section 402 point source discharge permits.
• Administer contracts and budgets associated with each of the aquatic resource projects assigned to the Aquatic Resource Biologist.
• Participate in Endangered Species Act consultations related to fishery enhancement facilities and other hydro-related in-water construction projects.
• Work towards representing the District in regional water quality, hydro operations, fish-recovery planning, and aquatic resource forums.
• Represent the District in a highly professional manner and use scientifically defensible study results to inform management decisions and processes.
• Support a diverse array of field projects that may be led by other Aquatic Resource and Fish Biologists within the District’s Natural Resource Department.
• Support the District’s mission and value statements in the performance of job duties.
• Work respectfully and cooperatively with diverse groups of people and maintain professional interactions at all times in the workplace.
• Ensure compliance with all District policies.
• Adhere to the District’s Safety Policy and Procedures.
• Operate District vehicles that may be equipped with a GPS device that monitors vehicle location while conducting business on behalf of the District.
• Other duties as assigned.

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions between this position, employees, contractors, and other members of the public, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent, on-site attendance while working independently and with others. 

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• A strong scientific background in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, or limnology coupled with an applied understanding of statistical and analytical principles commonly used in aquatic resources management.
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills, which are typically demonstrated by thesis defense work, professional presentations, and professional report writing and/or peer reviewed journal authorship. Demonstrated writing examples should include primary authorships (thesis, papers, reports etc.).
• Extensive knowledge and proficiency in the utilization of computer software programs (MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.).
• Strong planning and organization skills, and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple, concurrent responsibilities.

Education/CERTIFICATIONS/Experience:

The candidate will have a Master of Science degree in fisheries biology or other related science degree (e.g., limnology, environmental science, etc.), professional aquatic/ecological experience, and leadership related to the listed skills and abilities. Candidates with little to no professional experience but completing their Master’s Degree will be considered.  Multiple years of experience may substitute for a graduate level degree provided other skills listed above are demonstrated and the candidate has completed a Bachelor of Science degree.

Desired work experience would include one or more of the following areas:

• Working with at least one of the following: Lamprey, water quality (e.g., limnology and hydrology) Columbia River hydro system or fisheries, and/or ESA-listed species (salmonids).
• Experience working on or around large hydroelectric projects and with anadromous fish species is desirable.
• Demonstrated examples of participating in multi-party collaborative processes.
• Experience collaborating, drafting, and implementing ESA, JARPA, SEPA, and HPA permits, Fishway Prescriptions, Biological Opinions, TMDL, and NPDES permits/documents.

A valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record is required for this position (will be verified upon job offer).  Out-of-state candidates must acquire a Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of employment.

Competency Requirements:

Safety: Demonstrates that safety is the top priority when performing any job duty or task; prioritizes personal safety and the safety of co-workers and the public.

Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.

Productivity: Is able to demonstrate completion of assigned tasks through work product and documentation. This will include evidence that clearly shows work was completed on time and with above average quality.

Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual respect with all co-workers.

Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts when redirected and develops methods to achieve results and remain accountable

Professionalism: Interact daily with others in a professional manner. Treat others and be treated with respect; perform with integrity, honesty and professionalism; participate constructively in open communication; help to resolve issues and difficult situations in ways that reduce conflict and maintain good working relationships; improve work performance and take an active part in generating a mutually supportive environment. Recognize that diversity is an asset and value cultural, physical and professional differences

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

Candidates must be physically able to perform field research including walking or wading into remote locations, working in and around cold water and be physically able to carry up to 40 pounds of field equipment.

Background screening

Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Douglas County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District’s critical physical and/or cyber assets.