Senior/Principal Fisheries Scientist

Brief Description

Spheros Environmental is seeking a Senior/Principal Fisheries Scientist to join their team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Pacific Northwest salmonid issues, fish passage, ESA consultation and permitting, hatchery operations, and modernization, and will be able to lead business development efforts.

Location

Remote (preferred locations: Wenatchee, Seattle, Portland)

Compensation

$110,000 - $145,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as subject matter expert on Pacific Northwest salmonid issues and fish passage, providing technical leadership and staying current on emerging methods and regulatory best practices.
• Leads ESA consultation and permitting, including Section 7 consultations and biological assessments supporting hydroelectric relicensing and hatchery projects.
• Provides technical leadership on hatchery operations, modernization, and master planning, and on fish passage evaluation and design at hydroelectric dams.
• Designs and leads field studies, data collection, quality control, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) programs, including multi-year quantitative studies.
• Leads business development through their developed network of professional contacts, including leading proposals, securing and managing project funding, and building client relationships with public utility districts, federal and state agencies, municipalities.
• Serves as primary or senior author on reports and regulatory submissions, and oversees and senior-reviews other scientists’ deliverables for accuracy, quality, and compliance with safety and company standards; communicates technical concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Develops project scopes, schedules, and budgets, manages subcontractors, prepares project updates for leadership and clients, and may serve as Project Manager or Technical PM.
• Develops new tools, ideas, and approaches and leads initiatives that improve technical work, efficiency, and project delivery.
• Trains and mentors staff, including quantitative and junior scientists, and supports their professional growth.
• Participates in industry thought leadership (publications, peer review, networking) and collaborates with leadership on financial planning and revenue forecasting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, biology, ecology, or a related field; Master's or Doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• 10-15+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrated depth and breadth in Pacific Northwest salmonid issues.
• Specialized experience in one or more of the following: fish passage at hydroelectric dams, ESA consultation and permitting, or hatchery operations and modernization.
• Experience securing and managing project funding and supervising junior staff.
• Professional certification relevant to fisheries (e.g., American Fisheries Society Certified Fisheries Professional) desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Strong computer skills; experience with statistical or quantitative analysis software a plus.