Job Description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a Fisheries Biologist 2 to support field research for the Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program. The Commission’s Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program works to improve fishing gears and methods through experimental research conducted in collaboration with West Coast fishermen. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help design and implement field research, and evaluate testing results, for potential bycatch reduction techniques in collaboration with the industry, fishermen, fisheries managers, and scientists.

This position will be located in Oregon (Corvallis or Newport) with a projected start date of July 1st, 2026. This is a full-year, full-time position with benefits.

ROLE/PROJECT SPECIFICS

This position will coordinate and conduct field research and evaluations to: (1) reduce salmon bycatch in the Pacific Hake (whiting) fishery; (2) investigate alternative fishing technologies in the Dungeness Crab fishery; and (3) develop fishing gear to reduce the effects of barotrauma and improve the survival of rockfish during longline operations.

Specifically, the field work will evaluate the efficacy of artificial light as a potential salmon bycatch reduction technique in the Pacific Hake fishery, test the efficacy of fishing longline-configured crab pots to reduce the presence of vertical lines and mitigate the risks of entangling marine life in the Dungeness crab fishery, and test two recompression methods in the longline rockfish fishery. This work is highly collaborative requiring constructive engagement with fishers, industry, industry groups, fishery managers, federal/state/academic research scientists, and the public.

Essential Functions (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.)

At the lower end of the range, Fishery Biologist 2:

• Following existing protocols testing bycatch reduction gear and technology; conduct tissue sample collection. Recommend modifications of existing research protocols. Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data. Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.
• Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to best meet data requirements. Write memoranda and reports necessary for transfer of information to the appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.
• Oversee and assist with comparative testing of fishing gears to reduce bycatch; recommend procedure variations. Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis. Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.
• Plan, design, schedule, and conduct fish catch and effort surveys for marine fisheries. Prepare reports and presentations as requested. Provide expertise in improvements to the design of bycatch reduction technology and deployment techniques.
• Conduct limited physical and biological environmental sampling. Responsible for conducting data investigation and research, drafting technical reports, database management, GIS for all physical and biological data, and survey and inventory results. Prepare, present, implement and update bycatch technology evaluation plans.
• Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports. Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.
• Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.

At the upper end of the range, the Fishery Biologist 2 has specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques of a complex area of fish biology sufficient to serve as a troubleshooter or specialist. The employee is competent to modify or adapt standard techniques, processes and procedures, and to assess, select, apply precedents and devise strategies and plans to overcome significant problems related to species production, protection, habitat restoration, or program management and evaluation. Planning reports generated by employees at this level assess the impact of various multi-faceted management or public practices on a resource. Upper range work examples include:

• Conduct catch data comparative analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction technologies and deployment techniques.
• Plan, design and implement research studies for the evaluation of bycatch reduction approaches.
• Develop modifications to bycatch reduction approaches and experimental protocols.
• Write publishable reports of research and project findings.

Knowledge Required by the Position

The employee must have knowledge of:

• Fishery biology

• Experience working with the West Coast commercial fisheries and species, preferably at-sea.

• Scientific method
• Sampling protocols
• Windows-based computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Able to swim
• Lift 40-50 lbs.
• Live at sea on research vessel
• Fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)
• Underwater video camera
• Survival training
• Literature search/review
• Fish species ID skills
• Operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• Operate GPS
• Valid driver’s license
• Using fish keys
• Oral communication skills
• Written communication skills
• Contracting procedures

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor establishes overall goals and resources available. The employee and the supervisor confer on the development of general objectives, projects, work to be done, and deadlines. The biologist is responsible for planning and executing assignments, selecting appropriate techniques and methodology, and determining the approach to be taken. The biologist is expected to resolve most problems that arise and coordinate the work with others, as necessary. The supervisor is kept informed of progress, concerns, issues or other matters having far-reaching implications. Completed work is reviewed for adequacy in meeting program or project objectives and expected results.

Guidelines

A number of general guidelines are available, and broad objectives have been established. The employee uses judgment in determining which appropriate alternatives should be used, in interpreting and adapting guidelines to specific situations or problems, analyzing results, and recommending changes. At the lower end of the range, for work that is outside the guidelines or not easily adapted from existing guidelines, the biologist may develop or modify procedures and protocols after consulting with the supervisor. At the upper end of the range, the biologist is frequently required to deviate from or extend traditional methods and practices to develop essentially new techniques or propose new guidelines so as to obtain more effective protocols.

Complexity

At the lower end of the range, the employee selects and applies conventional approaches and precedent solutions according to the specific conditions of each assignment. Different and unrelated process and methods exist.

At the upper end of the range, the assignment may require the employee to relate new work situations to precedent situations, extend or modify existing techniques, or develop compromises when it is necessary to modify an accepted method or approach. The work requires the biologist to identify independently the boundaries of the problem involved, the kinds of information needed to solve

Scope and Effect

The work involves projects, assignments, or research related to culturing, sampling, or recovering endangered or threatened species. Work situations may be complicated by administrative problems (such as availability of funds and personnel), the accuracy of databases, and information exchange methods. Correct stock assessments, management decisions, and study results are critical when managing for impacts on endangered and threatened species.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are with employees of PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal fishery agencies; visiting scientists; the general public; sport fishery anglers; industry personnel; and contractors.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to exchange information and insure that project goals are being met through coordination and planning. Communication between contacts affords resolution of problematic issues and serves as an information network.

Physical Demands

Demands generally range from sedentary to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, or extended periods of standing. Some Fishery Biologists in this range have rigorous physical demands where they must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing from 40 - 50 pounds, engage in long daily periods of hiking, camp out for extended periods, or maintain footing in fast-moving water.

The position will include time at sea with exposure to adverse sea and weather conditions, a range of sea states, and work with or in the immediate vicinity of hydraulic hoists, winches, and other heavy equipment.

Work Environment

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in a laboratory or ship-board setting which exposes the biologist to odors, chemicals, fish blood, and molds. The employee must use safety precautions including MSDS, gloves, hood and eye protection. Some employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks or docks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required. Work on fishing and research vessels includes working in cramped quarters, as well as exposed to the natural elements on a rolling vessel deck.

PSMFC is an EEO/AAP Employer. We maintain a drug free workplace.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements

A range of experience and education may be presented. Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics). 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.