Position Description

Tacoma Power's Generation team is looking for a Fish Facility Biologist to join their team. The Fish Facility Biologist manages daily operations and implements complex study designs at the Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility – a downstream juvenile collection facility located just south of Randle, WA at the downstream end of Lake Scanewa. This facility is operated in partnership with Lewis County PUD at the Cowlitz Falls Dam.  In this role you will support and direct contracted and Tacoma Power staff with starting, adjusting and stopping the complex fish collection devices; managing contractors and maintenance of facility; sampling and marking fish; conducting complex collection performance studies, collecting data and preparing operational reports.  The Fish Facilities Biologist closely coordinates with the Cowlitz Fish Facilities Manager, local utility, government agencies and other Tacoma Power biologists and research teams. They work closely with hydro project staff, utility workers and engineers.
 
A key role of this position is to assist Tacoma Power in reaching a 95% Fish Passage Survival goal as set forth in the Settlement Agreement. As part of that requirement, operation of the facility is required 24hrs daily. This position supports all operating hours through remote monitoring and 24 hour response on a rotating schedule.  Response time radius is up to 30 minutes

Responsibilities Include:

• Manage daily agenda of contract and Tacoma Power staff in the operation of the smolt and adult fish collection activities associated with the Cowlitz Fish Facility and North Shore Downstream Fish Collector
• Coordinate contractor, local utility and staff scheduling 
• Develop and implement task order to meet operational and study resource needs
• Operate a complex fish collection facility to optimize fish collection and survival based on environmental parameters, LCPUD dam operational needs and collection facility performance by adjusting facility operational settings to balance facility capabilities and limitations
• Mark and tag juvenile salmonids
• Enumerate fish, follow marking and tagging protocols and ensure that all staff do as well
• Ensure associated equipment and supplies are stocked and in working order
• Facility maintenance and coordination of minor and major repairs with Tacoma Power maintenance staff
• Generate maintenance lists, prioritize and provide operating windows
• Coordinate with project staff and contractors
• Oversee the transport of juveniles fish throughout the Cowlitz Basin (non-COL truck)
• Coordinate trucking, transport fish, train others in transporting
• Conduct complex fish collection studies to optimized fish collection efficiencies and survival
• Oversee study logistics such as ensure protocols are followed, balance staff schedules, and ensure data integrity and safe storage
• Generate and distribute weekly performance reports and annual program reports for submission to FERC

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, forestry, resource management, archaeology or other science related to area of specialty AND 
• Four years of professional-level experience in environmental programs

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter
• Complete First Aid and CPR certification within six-months of appointment with maintenance thereafter

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress.  One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
 
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. 

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration. 

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.