Hatchery Planner Specialist

Position Title

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is seeking applicants for a Fish Hatchery Planner to lead in the development of an anadromous and resident fish hatchery program.

About the Role

This position will build on work initiated by Tribal staff and consultants to develop goals and objectives for production, and to navigate and complete the three-step process outlined by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Upon completion of the three-step process, the position will be responsible for working with contractors and staff throughout the development and construction of the hatchery complex. Finally, the position will also be responsible for overseeing hatchery operations, supervising staff, managing fish culture activities, and adaptively managing hatchery operations to maximize success of operations and to meet established tribal goals for production and harvest.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Bioprogram for anadromous and resident fish production based on hatchery locations and resources (water availability, water quality, etc.)
• Develop a Hatchery Master Plan that considers long-term tribal goals and objectives for production and harvest of fisheries resources
• Develop/Hoard a Hatchery Genetics and Management Plan in coordination with NOAA Fisheries/NMFS for a new anadromous hatchery program
• Develop/Adopt a Hatchery Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Plan intended to assess production success and inform adaptive hatchery management and operations
• Audit potential aquaculture locations, including sites for the main hatchery complexes and acclimation sites
• Develop a Fish Health and Genetics Program intended to support hatchery operations and inform hatchery evaluation
• Oversee hatchery operations to ensure short term goals are met
• Adhere to an adaptive management framework to ensure long term goals are being met
• Work directly with hatchery staff to implement aquaculture strategies that maximize adult returns and the overall fitness of fish and fisheries
• Manage scope(s) of services identified in contracts that are necessary for hatchery development
• Ensure contracts are fulfilled completely and timely
• Implement a Hatchery Evaluation Program intended to track long-term productivity
• Implement a Harvest Monitoring Program
• Draft Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E) reports under the requirements defined by Tribal administrators and federal action agencies
• Aid in gathering and entering data in the hatchery, field, laboratory, and within multiple regional databases (PTAGIS, RMIS, DART, etc.)
• Author peer-reviewed scientific and professional journal articles
• Coordinate directly with staff from Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to complete the necessary steps for hatchery development and operations
• Coordinate with staff from Coeur d’Alene Tribal Programs (i.e. Fish and Wildlife, Environmental, Culture, Water Resources, and Outreach) to ensure internal projects and objectives are supported
• Work directly with subcontracted scientists and engineers on hatchery development and operations
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies to manage access and operations of acclimation sites, if necessary
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies to ensure hatchery operations, fish outplanting, and fish transport adhere to regional and federal regulations
• Engage in established workgroups specific to hatchery operations in the Columbia River basin (US v OR, NPCC, etc.)
• Keep Tribal staff and administration informed of project schedules, major milestones, and project deliverables

Requirements

Minimum Qualifying Education and Experience:

• A PhD from an accredited college or university in the application of natural resource or environmental sciences (Fisheries Science preferred)
• 36 months of associated experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of aquaculture
• Understanding of Columbia River Fisheries management and the Federal CRSOU
• Understanding of salmon management in the basin including hatchery and natural production, ESA protections, and species (native and non-native) interactions
• Strong professional writing, presenting and organizational skills
• Ability to adaptively manage with new information and under new policy pressures
• Ability to define research problems and determine extent and type of information needed
• Ability to initiate, plan, and design independent experimental research and implement results of research findings
• Ability to use statistical analytical software (SAS, R, SYSTAT, etc.)
• Ability to operate and maintain aquaculture and field equipment
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions, often under long hours and multiple days
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, cooperative, multi-agency and public work environment

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position will require the supervision of multiple staff, especially after aquaculture programs are in operation.

Qualifications

Must have strong collaborative skills and the ability to adaptively manage production projects as new information is gathered throughout the duration of the program. Must be culturally sensitive to a diverse customer population and able to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, all levels of Tribal staff and management, and across multiple tribes with differing goals. Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times.

Skills

• Strong understanding of aquaculture
• Understanding of Columbia River Fisheries management and the Federal CRSOU
• Understanding of salmon management in the basin including hatchery and natural production, ESA protections, and species (native and non-native) interactions
• Strong professional writing, presenting and organizational skills
• Ability to adaptively manage with new information and under new policy pressures
• Ability to define research problems and determine extent and type of information needed
• Ability to initiate, plan, and design independent experimental research and implement results of research findings
• Ability to use statistical analytical software (SAS, R, SYSTAT, etc.)
• Ability to operate and maintain aquaculture and field equipment
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions, often under long hours and multiple days
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, cooperative, multi-agency and public work environment

Benefits

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe offers one of the most generous benefits packages of any employer in the region and includes:

• Employer paid (fully) medical, dental and vision insurance, extending to spouse and dependents
• Disability and Life Insurance
• 401K retirement (100% matching up to 10%)
• Flexible spending account
• Free access to Marimn Health Wellness Center including full gym, pool and exercise facilities
• Generous paid time-off policy
• Paid holidays (Federal and Tribal)

Pay

D.O.E

Schedule

Not specified