Quantitative Fishery Scientist

The CRITFC seeks a fishery scientist with a strong background in statistics and population dynamics to lead research efforts in the production and restoration of salmonids in the Columbia Basin. The incumbent will play a leading role in a program of several projects, mostly related to productivity and survival of salmonids and related ecosystem conditions. The position offers exceptional opportunities to develop, in collaboration with researchers from other agencies and universities, integrative approaches to important fish restoration issues.

The incumbent will focus primarily on research within the area of reproductive biology and ecology as it relates specifically to anadromous species, with an emphasis on salmon. Responsibilities will include the development of quantitative methods of estimating factors limiting productivity and recovery of fish in disturbed ecosystems, analysis of tagged fish databases, and ESA-related issues. Critical research areas and needs are to develop quantitative models and statistical tools with relation to population abundance, and changes to population trajectories over time. These will account for the entire life cycle of the species being modeled and include habitat effects, ocean effects and migration pathways that the species being analyzed follows.

The responsibilities of the incumbent include developing research ideas into fundable proposals that satisfy tribal fishery needs, preparing plans, negotiating and managing contracts and budgets, handling and analyzing data, directly or indirectly supervising several regular and temporary staff and subcontractors, identifying and obtaining tribal policy decisions regarding the conduct of these projects, coordinating with staff of all tribes and agencies, , and generally ensuring that contract obligations are satisfied and that tribal objectives are furthered. The incumbent will clearly communicate—orally and in writing—the needs and results of the projects to CRITFC commissioners and staff, the tribes, the public, and the professional community, including publications in peer-reviewed journals. He/she will assist CRITFC and tribal staff in resolving policy, technical and administrative issues related to areas of personal responsibility and expertise, as needs/opportunities arise.

The Fishery Science Department has relevant research strengths in several areas including evolutionary ecology, fisheries science, population genetics, habitat management and aquaculture. The department has strong research ties with the University of Idaho. Collaborative research with university scientists is strongly encouraged.

Position Details