Join a dynamic northwest electric utility and become part of a progressive team.

The Project Biologist is responsible for the District’s fish and wildlife programs for the Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric Project (CFP).  Ensures Project compliance with Federal, State, and local agency policies and regulations, manages fish and wildlife mitigation agreements and plans, implements the ESA requirements identified in the CFP Biological Opinion, oversees the work of agencies and others through professional service contracts and contributed funds programs, conducts field research, records data, writes reports to document compliance, and occasionally coauthors papers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Develop study plans and budgets for funding to fulfill the CFP BiOp (includes ten Reasonable and Prudent Measures intended to evaluate or reduce impacts to three listed anadromous fish species with the goal of minimizing incidental take) for the continued operations of the CFP.
• Work with federal and state agencies and other utility districts to minimize impacts to ESA listed species.  Conduct and analyzes biological data to determine environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas. Includes preparation of JARPA permits or assisting in the preparation of JARPA and related environmental permits.
• Ensure compliance with FERC provisions and procedural requirements, including the NMFS biological opinion.
• Responsible for implementing the goals and objectives of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 1986 Mitigation Agreement and related plans to ensure there is no net loss of natural resources.
• Plan, organize, and oversee the District’s Annual Kid’s Trout Derby, Day Use Park Fishery and the Lake Scanewa reservoir fishery.  Periodically prepare specs and RFPs to contract for the purchase of mitigation trout.  This License requirement will likely continue through 2036 and into the next License period unless NMFS terminates the program due to negative impacts.
• Plan and contract for a mitigation trout creel once every five years and manage the fishery based on these result to minimize impacts to ESA listed fish from predation or other causes by mitigation trout.
• Oversees and coordinates several professional services contracts and contributed funds programs; i.e. USGS ESA research, WDFW creel surveys and radio telemetry research, Lewis County Noxious Weed Dept. services, NW Habitat Institute, and RTL Consulting.
• Lead and manage fish rescue efforts during reservoir drawdowns.
• Responsible for the control of noxious weeds on Project land.
• Conduct wildlife research, habitat evaluation plans, tree thinning contracts, and habitat enhancement projects.
• Record data and provide required reporting and compliance documents.
• Occasionally negotiate mitigation agreements with state and federal agencies.
• Propose and write License Amendments

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field; and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience in performing fish and wildlife evaluations, habitat monitoring and enhancement projects, and working with local, state, and federal agencies required.

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations

Must have a valid Driver’s license.  Must have a Washington state boaters license or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.  Herbicide permit preferred.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in MS Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word and have knowledge of GIS and integrated data collection.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to walk, climb stairs, bend, reach, use hands to finger, handle, and feel, and sit for extended periods of time.  Often required to wear and work in different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) including dry suits and waders; work around and over water, walk in deep sediments up to 14-15 inches deep; and in dirty conditions and from heights.  Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and carry up to 40 pounds.  Required to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the telephone and in person.  Must be physically able to enter, exit, and operate a boat, walk along shoreline and in deep sediments, and/or safely wade into water to collect samples or read and inspect monitoring equipment.  Must be a strong swimmer.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to indoor and outdoor environments.  Employee risks physical hazard working around water, deep sediments, and other hazards associated with dams and powerhouses.  Work may be performed in outdoor weather conditions, including wet, dirty, greasy and oily conditions when working around equipment.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

This position may be required to work all hours of a day, on holidays, and/or weekends as work or emergency conditions dictate.

Disclosure

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  Lewis County PUD believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the company.

How to Apply

Lewis County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.  This recruitment will remain open until Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 4pm.  To apply for this position you must complete our employment application and provide a cover letter and resume.  Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Application Packets may be submitted one of the following ways:

Online:  Apply Now

Email: jobs@lcpud.org

Mail:
Lewis County PUD
Attn: HR
PO Box 330
Chehalis, WA  98532

In Person:
Lewis County PUD
321 NW Pacific Avenue
Chehalis, WA  98532