Science and Research Biologist

Position Description

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

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd418c7ce7d846618cf14d09da16ad50

The Tacoma Power Generation Natural Resources Team is growing! We are currently seeking a Science and Research Biologis t for our expanding team!

If you consider yourself as a fish and wildlife science enthusiast looking to contribute towards impactful applied science and management, we want you! The team is looking for our next Science and Research Biologist to help advocate for our Natural Resources programs! Responsibilities include supporting programs in fisheries, wildlife, habitat and forest management to ensure compliance and informed decisions for our Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Licensees at Cushman, Cowlitz, Nisqually and Wynoochee.

This position oversees and conducts project management of capital and O&M projects and development and submittal of annual reports. This position also leads agency meetings focused on science and research topics including negotiating in these subject areas as directed by the Science and Research Manager and Natural Resources Manager. This position is uniquely positioned to collaborate with the fish and wildlife team to analyze ecological, system-wide perspectives toward functional opportunities and investments to improve lead our region's environmental improvement efforts within the communities we serve.

Science and Research Biologist Responsibilities will include:

• Serve as Expert - Serve as an expert for Natural Resources as an industry leading science and research biologist, including in areas of fisheries recovery, hatchery evaluations, upstream and downstream fish passage, instream and upland habitat improvements, wildlife evaluations, forest management, and ecosystem restoration. Lead staff, collaborate with stakeholders, and lead consultants to develop study design and conduct evaluations.
• Develop and Submit Reports - Develop, lead staff and/or consultants to submit reports for Cowlitz, Cushman, Nisqually and Wynoochee as required by FERC.
• Project Manager - Manage planning phase of capital improvement projects associated with fish and wildlife, ensuring the organization is implementing effective strategies and is gaining buy-in across all parties.
• Lead Subcommittees - Lead committees dedicated to science and research as assigned by the Science and Research Manager or 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 requirements in partnership with other managers in the Natural Resources team. Conduct necessary pre-work to ensure effective and positive relationship and effective outcomes

Interested individuals, please apply 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*
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

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
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).

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