Natural Resources Principal Analyst (2 Vacancies)

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 growing!

We are currently looking to add 2 positions to the Natural Resources Team: Sr. Fisheries Scientist and Fish Passage Specialist!

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Senior Fisheries Scientist Position

Dive into a Sr. Fisheries Scientist role t hat lets you lead, innovate, and make waves in the realm of aquatic ecosystems! This position serves as an expert in fish and hatchery monitoring and evaluation programs associated with Tacoma Power's hydroelectric plants. As a pivotal member of our dynamic team, you will be responsible for collecting the information necessary to determine if hatchery and wild fish are meeting standards and recommend adjustment to fish programs to achieve goals. The position oversees: creation and execution of study designs, reporting of study results, leads or supports regulator negotiations, makes recommendations and/or supports fish management decisions and/or recommendations associated with fish hatchery programs.

Sr. Fisheries Scientist Responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing contractors involved with fish monitoring and evaluation programs in association with Tacoma Power fish hatchery programs
• Managing the fish monitoring and evaluation programs by planning, negotiating (as delegated) and implementing studies as they relates to the operation of Tacoma's hydroelectric projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses issued to those projects and State/Federal agencies with regulatory authority. Perform technical and scientific duties related to the biological aspects of utility operations and associated impacts
• Leading and/or supporting negotiations with State and Federal regulators regarding fish management as it relates the hatchery programs as delegated
• Development and implementation of fish management plans in coordination with regional stakeholders
• Conducting analyses and prepare reports as necessary to support fish programs; and meet FERC and other regulators compliance requirements
• Communicating with various City departments, governmental agencies, outside organizations, tribes, and general public to coordinate work activities and to provide and receive information and services and participate in a variety of committee meetings, workshops and conferences
• Creating and managing fish monitoring and evaluation program budgets, scope of work, schedules and resources

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Fish Passage Specialist Position

We are currently seeking an accomplished Senior Fish Passage Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role is tailor-made for an experienced professional who thrives on leading impactful fish passage programs within the framework of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licensees, such as Cushman, Cowlitz, Nisqually, and Wynoochee! The specialist will oversee and conduct industry leading evaluations and analyses, manage capital and O&M projects comprised of highly dynamic and talented professionals and develop and submit scientific papers and reports.

This position also leads monthly agency meetings focused on the topics of fish passage and strategy implementation. Acting under the guidance of the Science and Research Manager and the Natural Resources Manager, the Fish Passage Specialist will adeptly negotiate in these crucial subject areas.

Collaboration will be at the core of this position's responsibilities as the Specialist will work closely with Tacoma Power's Natural Resources team. Your insights will contribute to well-informed decisions on ecosystem-level matters, guiding responsible investment recommendations associated with limiting factors while balancing the natural environment with clean energy production. These are critical functions that are required by the FERC license obligations and require the attention of a full time expert. If you're a dedicated expert seeking an opportunity to make a tangible impact and drive vital functions, then this full-time position is designed for you!

Fish Passage SpecialistResponsibilities will include:

• Serve as Team Expert - Serve as an expert on the Natural Resources team in the field of fish passage for our upstream and downstream evaluations, modeling, forecasts, and natural resource design planning efforts. Provide mentorship and technical skill in these areas when needed to advance these programs to teach other staff within Natural Resources
• Lead Subcommittees - Lead or oversee leadership or contribute to fisheries committees dedicated to or benefiting fish passage as delegated by the Science and Research Manager or the Natural Resources Manager. Work with FERC regulatory partners to develop mutually agreeable solutions to accomplish organizational goals.
• Negotiate - As directed and within the constructs provided by the Natural Resources Manager, negotiate fish passage, monitoring and evaluation and fish passage evaluations and facility operations and modifications in partnership with other managers in the Natural Resources team. Conduct necessary pre-work to ensure effective and positive relationship and effective outcomes.
• Partner with Science and Research Programs - Work with internal staff and external stakeholders that are dedicated to advancing FERC license objectives and achieving environmental excellence and align with overall organization strategies and account for re-licensing needs. Mentor staff and ensure collaboration across the organization.

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Interested? please ap ply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Qualifications

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

Minimum Experience*
5 years of professional level experience in environmental programs including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

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

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 170,000 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.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Positions in this class typically require:

• remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions.
• communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking.
• occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work.)

Work may also occasionally require:

• movement around the work place to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
• traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
• exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

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.

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.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 9/15/2023 5:00 PM Pacific