Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility Biologist

Position Description

Check out what the team is up to, and what they have to offer!

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The

Tacoma Power Generation Natural Resources Team

is hiring! We are currently seeking a Facility Biologist to join our team!

If you are a fisheries biologist looking to contribute towards the recovery of local salmon populations, we want to hear from you! Our team is looking for the next

Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility Biologist

to help operate our state-of-the-art fish collector!

Escape the noise. Embrace the outdoors. Build a life that feels like a getaway. Located at the Cowlitz Falls Dam, just outside Randle, Washington, this role places you in one of the most scenic and ecologically significant river systems. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and just a short drive from Mount Rainier National Park, this is more than a job – it’s daily immersion in the ecosystems you’re working to protect.

The location offers a rare balance: meaningful, hands-on conservation work paired with a safe, welcoming community and room to grow. Nearby Packwood provides local shops and family friendly events while the Cowlitz River becomes your backyard oasis- perfect for professional passion and weekend exploration.

This position will lead field crews in day-to-day fish collection and data management.

The Facility

Biologist will participate in data analysis, report preparation, contract management, and adaptive management discussions with regional agencies. The incumbent will play an integral role in facilitating fish passage studies that further our programmatic objectives. Collection and transmission of high quality, transparent data is paramount to achieving License goals for the benefit of the resource and maximizing budgetary funds.

This position supports all operating hours through remote monitoring and rotating 24-hour response. Required response time radius is up to 30 minutes.

Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility Biologist Responsibilities Include

• Operate the Cowlitz Falls North Shore Collector and Spillway Flume Collection System
• Lead field crews in daily smolt and adult fish sampling activities associated with the Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility and North Shore Downstream Fish Collector
• Manage fish collection data and associated datasets
• Generate routine updates and annual reports
• Coordinate contractor, local utility and staff scheduling
• Collaborate effectively with Project biologists and Facilities Managers to implement study plans and other programmatic directives
• Mark and tag juvenile salmonids
• Assist in field studies and data collection within the Cowlitz Basin
• Oversee and perform routine facility maintenance
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel
• Transport juvenile and adult salmon throughout the Cowlitz Basin
• Participate in debris removal activities
• Lead a small aquaculture program
• Support other program implementation activities as needed
• Perform on-call duty (standby) rotation with 30-minute required response time

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment

Minimum Experience*

2 years of professional level experience in environmental programs

Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements

First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment

Washington State Driver's License

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of fish passage in the Pacific Northwest
• Salmon identification and life history strategies
• Familiarity with fish tagging methods
• Familiarity with standard fish hatchery techniques
• Ability to learn/troubleshoot complex fish facility systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• MS Office suite
• Ability to operate gas powered chainsaw (or desire to learn)

Typically Require

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time while standing and twisting to mark, tag, and sample fish, with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• Frequent operation of a computer, a