Senior/Principal Fisheries Scientist

Principal Scientist/Engineer Location: Remote (Wenatchee, Seattle, or Portland preferred)

Compensation: $110,000 - $145,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)

Spheros Environmental is looking for a Senior/Principal Fisheries Scientist to join our growing team. The successful applicant will demonstrate expertise across diverse, highly complex assignments, delivering innovative and effective solutions while serving as a key business developer, technical resource and mentor within the team. This position will join a growing team of fisheries and aquatic scientists working on Northwest fisheries and aquatic science issues across our region (WA, OR, ID, CA and MT). The role centers on fish passage at hydroelectric dams, Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation and permitting, hatchery operations and modernization, and monitoring and evaluation studies for public utility districts, federal and state agencies, municipalities and tribes.

The position requires teamwork to complete field and office-based work, including study design, quantitative analysis, technical reporting, and regulatory submissions. Familiarity with hydroelectric relicensing and ESA Section 7 consultation is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as subject matter expert on Pacific Northwest salmonid issues and fish passage, provides technical leadership, and stays current on emerging methods and regulatory best practices.
• Leads ESA consultation and permitting, including Section 7 consultations and biological assessments supporting hydroelectric relicensing and hatchery projects.
• Provides technical leadership on hatchery operations, modernization, and master planning, and on fish passage evaluation and design at hydroelectric dams.
• Designs and leads field studies, data collection, quality control, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) programs, including multi-year quantitative studies.
• Leads business development through their developed network of professional contacts including leading proposals, securing and managing project funding, and building client relationships with public utility districts, federal and state agencies, municipalities.
• Serves as primary or senior author on reports and regulatory submissions, and oversees and senior-reviews other scientists’ deliverables for accuracy, quality, and compliance with safety and company standards; communicates technical concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Develops project scopes, schedules, and budgets, manages subcontractors, prepares project updates for leadership and clients, and may serve as Project Manager or Technical PM.
• Develops new tools, ideas, and approaches and leads initiatives that improve technical work, efficiency, and project delivery.
• Trains and mentors staff, including quantitative and junior scientists, and supports their professional growth.
• Participates in industry thought leadership (publications, peer review, networking) and collaborates with leadership on financial planning and revenue forecasting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, biology, ecology, or a related field; Master's or Doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• 10-15+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrated depth and breadth in Pacific Northwest salmonid issues.
• Specialized experience in one or more of the following: fish passage at hydroelectric dams, ESA consultation and permitting, or hatchery operations and modernization.
• Experience securing and managing project funding and supervising junior staff.
• Professional certification relevant to fisheries (e.g., American Fisheries Society Certified Fisheries Professional) desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Strong computer skills; experience with statistical or quantitative analysis software a plus.

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $110,000 - $145,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
• Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.