Fishery Biologist 3- Ecologist

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting highly motivated and experienced candidates to assist the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Fishery Biologist 3 - Ecologist at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of November 16th, 2026.

We are seeking a quantitatively minded scientist to lead and execute complex fisheries ecology analyses in collaboration with WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team.

Major Duties & Responsibilities
· Advanced Statistical & Quantitative Analysis: Lead the design, execution, and oversight of complex statistical analyses to evaluate fish populations and ecological processes across regional aquatic systems.
· Model Development & Integration: Develop, update, and extend integrated population models (IPMs) for salmon populations, apply advanced mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters from telemetry data, and estimate fish population abundance.
· Primary Authorship & Reporting: Lead and co-author high-impact peer-reviewed scientific publications and comprehensive technical reports summarizing complex quantitative research.
· Stakeholder & Scientific Communication: Deliver technical presentations and communicate complex quantitative models, biological inferences, and analytical outputs to managers, stakeholders, scientific peers, and interagency collaborators.
· Project Leadership & Collaboration: Lead analyses independently, collaborate across interdisciplinary research teams, and mentor junior technical staff on analytical approaches and data interpretation.

Qualifications & Knowledge Required
· Education & Experience: Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Fisheries Science, Quantitative Ecology, Biometrics, Applied Statistics, or a closely related natural resources discipline.
· Advanced Quantitative & Modeling Expertise: Demonstrated mastery in advanced quantitative methods, including Bayesian inference, mark-recapture estimation, integrated population modeling, and spatial/temporal statistical modeling.
· Programming & Computational Skills: Advanced proficiency in quantitative programming environments (such as R and specialized Bayesian software) for complex statistical modeling and reproducible research workflows.
· Scientific Communication: Proven track record of primary authorship in peer-reviewed scientific journals and effective verbal communication of complex quantitative concepts to diverse audiences.

Essential Functions:  Included in this band are professional positions that perform highly complex assignments where specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques are required.  (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.)

• Perform complex tests and/or procedures that require using highly specialized methods or techniques
• Recognize and identify unusual and diverse entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes relevant to the program area
• Modify or adapt established protocols and procedures in response to test or study findings
• Plan studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches
• Revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems
• Review, evaluate, prepare comments, provide formal and informal consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license implementations
• Recommend and approve studies to evaluate potential impacts of proposed development
• Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agencies' decisions under Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, etc.
• Participate in rulemaking, preparing briefing documents and communicating and coordinating policy changes to other staff
• Prepare and present technical studies and reports

Knowledge Required by the Position: 

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of Fishery Biology.
• Ability to define problems, perform background research, develop and execute a project plan, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Valid driver's license
• Oral communication
• Written communication

Physical Demands:

The work is sedentary with moderate walking between workstations and carrying folders, reports, and similar light loads.

Work Environment:
The work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. There are the normal risks of an office environment.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

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. In addition, candidates must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience** AND a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**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.