CRITFC seeks a Fisheries Scientist with experience managing fisheries for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. The Fisheries Scientist assists with the planning and implementing fisheries in the Columbia River basin to ensure that the four CRITFC member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) retain traditional salmon fisheries according to treaty fishing rights case law. This position is in the Fisheries Management Department at CRITFC’s Portland Headquarters. This position works within various harvest forums to implement tribal harvest in the Columbia River Basin for CRITFC’s four-member tribes consistent with CRITFC’s fish restoration plan, Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit “Spirit of the Salmon”, treaty case law, and the 2018-2027 U.S. v. Oregon Management Agreement. Fisheries scientists develop and utilize models to analyze forecasts and fishery plans. The Fisheries Scientist works closely with the tribes’ fishery managers and other tribal staff. The Fisheries Scientist participates in interagency technical groups. The Fisheries Scientist supports tribal policy representatives participating in the U.S. v Oregon and Pacific Fishery Management Council management processes. The Harvest Management Scientist also works with tribal policymakers and staff to coordinate artificial propagation reform to achieve goals and objectives consistent with treaty fishing rights case law and regional management processes.

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. CRITFC fosters a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and reviews in the areas of harvest management and conservation biology to tribal staff, legal counsel, and policymakers.
• Assist with running reconstructions and forecasting of Columbia River Salmon and steelhead stocks.
• Develop and perform analysis of fishery plans.
• Participate in interagency workgroups, such as the U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee.
• Present information to CRITFC Commission, sub-committees, tribal policymakers, tribal fishermen, and possibly members of the public.
• Produce reports and summaries.

Qualifications

• MS in the field of fishery biology, ecology, or a related discipline or BS in similar fields with at least 3 years of experience.
• Understanding of fishery biology and population dynamics.
• Experience in statistical analyses and relevant software.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop, guide and work within interdisciplinary teams.
• Database experience and programming skills are a plus.
• Knowledge of the fishes of the Columbia River and the western United States is a plus.
• Enrolled membership in a tribal organization or a strong desire to be of service to a tribal organization. Knowledge of or dedication to learning tribal history and customs of CRITFC’s four member tribes.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

Job duties may require driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• One major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

Ready to Apply?

Please submit a cover letter and a resume for consideration