VACANCY ANN#: STOI-25-089

TITLE: FISH BIOLOGIST III – AQUACULTURE SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: DNR - FISHERIES

SUPERVISOR: DNR DEPUTY DIRECTOR

LOCATION: WELLPINIT/SPOKANE, WA

STATUS: REGULAR FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY: $30.30 - $42.10 PER HOUR

OPENING DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

INTRODUCTION:

The Spokane Tribe of Indians’ (STOI) Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning the development of a fish hatchery complex incorporating two hatcheries and development of two acclimation facilities. The Aquaculture Specialist will serve as a senior technical lead and play a critical role in the design, development, and operation of the Spokane Tribe Hatchery Complex. The incumbent will be responsible for managing asset development, overseeing feasibility surveys, and developing and implementing a planning process to determine hatchery infrastructure needs and upgrades to meet future production goals for the resident and anadromous fisheries programs. The incumbent will work closely with the Spokane Tribes Department of Natural Resource Managers, Lake Roosevelt Hatchery Coordination Team, Lake Roosevelt Fisheries Management Team, the Spokane Tribe’s Anadromous Program, and other regional partners.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the design, development, and implementation of multiple aquaculture facilities to meet the Tribe’s resident and anadromous fisheries production goals and objectives.
- Function as a project manager in the design and/or re-design of aquaculture facilities, serving as primary contact with design and engineering firms.
- Perform contracting and budget management, while providing technical contributions and review as part of aquaculture facility design and construction.
- Navigate and complete applicable tribal, federal, and state regulatory compliance and permitting for the construction and operation of production facilities.
- Work collaboratively with partners to develop fish production strategies that meet the Tribe’s resident and
  anadromous fisheries goals and objectives.
- Work with DNR staff and external experts to modernize and upgrade facilities.
Assists and provides guidance to project partners related to fish production programs and associated goals.
Represent the hatchery complex, hatchery facilities and Tribe at internal and external meetings, providing key knowledge and expertise on fish rearing and hatchery operations.
Provide technical analysis, guidance, and policy advice to the Department of Natural Resources’ Director and its program managers.
Recommend specific metrics and ensure consistent data collection across all locations, manage biometric data across all locations.
Provide comprehensive annual reporting associated with the facilities and their production programs.
Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

Knowledge of fish hatcheries, necessary components, and their operations.
Knowledge of aquaculture practices specific to anadromous fish species as well as federal and state hatchery reform principles.
Knowledge of aquaculture, water quality, biometrics, and sampling techniques as well as experience with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to anadromous fisheries and related environmental sciences.
Knowledge of and ability to calculate growth trajectories, develop feed schedules, and other practices to meet specific fish size goals.
Knowledge of salmon production goals, regulatory structure and processes within the Columbia River Basin.
Familiarity with novel and emerging aquaculture practices such as recirculating or partial reuse systems, artificial channels, or naturalized acclimation.
Knowledge and experience with Spokane Tribe and other regional fisheries managers, the Endangered Species Act and associated processes, regional resident fish and salmon recovery and sub-basin plans.
Knowledge and strong working experience in hatchery effectiveness monitoring, including experimental design, analysis and reporting.
Ability to travel for professional duties, meetings, training and conference participation as necessary
Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Able to express self in a clear, concise and scientifically accurate manner when providing oral or written reports to diverse audiences, including peers in regulatory agencies, Tribal Council and members of the public.
Ability to be imaginative and resourceful in high-pressure situations and under adverse working conditions.
Able to use good judgment, be adaptable and flexible and maintain a positive highly motivated attitude.
Able to utilize modern technology for monitoring, routine data analysis, and technical processing tasks.
Ability to apply research and statistical methods and techniques to the project and related programs, analyze environmental information, prepare written reports and make oral presentations, interpret regulations and policies and synthesize research findings and formulate fish management recommendations, guidelines and regulations.
Ability to administer and lead complex projects, including record-keeping, budget building and tracking and implementing Tribal and federal administrative processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aquaculture or Fisheries Management, AND 5 years of professional experience working in a fish hatchery. OR A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aquaculture or Fisheries Management, AND 3 years of professional experience working in a fish hatchery.

Transcripts and at least 3 employment references must be submitted with application.
Demonstrated experience to coordinate and lead a complex project
Successful completion of a background check
Driver’s License and good driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Sabrina McCoy or Kammi Rosenbaum

(509) 458-6583 or (509) 458-6527

E-mail: hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No

Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation

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FISH BIOLOGIST III (AQUACULTURE SPECIALIST)

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