Fisheries Scientist - Staff Officer (Pacific Fishery Management Council)

Job title

Fisheries Scientist (Staff Officer).

Company

Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Description of the job

The Pacific Fishery Management Council seeks a Fisheries Scientist (Staff Officer) with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or a related discipline. The Pacific Council is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, managing fisheries in federal waters off Washington, Oregon, and California through transparent, science-based decision-making that sustains fish populations and the communities that depend on them.

This position plays a central role in the development of scientific processes, the review of scientific analyses, and providing recommendations and insights for informing Council decisions. The successful candidate will apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex fishery management issues, work collaboratively with diverse experts and stakeholders, and communicate scientific information clearly to policymakers and the public.

The Council's work covers groundfish, salmon, highly migratory species, and coastal pelagic species, and increasingly addresses issues such as climate change, offshore wind energy, and aquaculture. The position requires occasional travel throughout the West Coast (typically 4-8 days per trip) and occasional international travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to scientific analyses, reports, and discussion papers supporting Fishery Management Plans, plan amendments, and regulatory actions.
• Conduct or review biological, oceanographic, and ecological analyses relevant to fisheries management decisions.
• Integrate information from stock assessments, ecosystem models, and monitoring programs into management advice.
• Foster evidence-based decision making via the development and application of peer review processes.
• Coordinate with state, tribal, and federal scientists to ensure analytical rigor and consistency across disciplines.
• Facilitate and coordinate the meetings and agendas of Council advisory bodies and scientific review panels.
• Present complex scientific information clearly and objectively to decision-makers, advisory bodies, and the public.
• Maintain neutrality and professionalism in a dynamic, sometimes contentious policy environment.

Requirements

Desired Minimums:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, or synthesize scientific analyses related to living marine resources.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
• High professional and ethical standards, with a commitment to objectivity and public service.

Additional Preferred:

• Familiarity with West Coast fisheries and the Council's management process.
• Experience contributing to peer review, stock assessments, or ecosystem-based management.
• Experience leading or supporting multidisciplinary or interagency projects.
• Knowledge of federal fisheries policy frameworks and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Location

Portland, OR, USA.

Salary

$95,488.00 to $128,689.00 annually (starting, DOE); promotion potential to GS-13 step 10, equivalent to $147,615 in 2025.

Generously competitive insurance and retirement benefits.

How to apply

Apply through Requisition ID: 1005. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Deadline

Not specified.

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