Wildlife Biologist

~ The cultural, spiritual and economic health of the Klamath Tribes is inextricably linked to the health of C’waam and Koptu fish populations. Once the most important food-fish in the Upper Klamath Lake region, they were caught by the thousands as a mainstay of the Klamath Tribes’ diet. Now endangered, the Tribes’ are limited to harvesting just two fish every year for ceremonial purposes. ~

The collapse of our C’waam and Koptu fisheries has marched virtually in lock-step with the declining health of Upper Klamath Lake, the largest body of freshwater west of the Rocky Mountains. Chronically low water levels in the lake regularly cut off access to spawning and rearing habitat and starve fish of oxygen as annual blooms of toxic algae decompose. One type of algae common in the lake produces toxins harmful to fish and people, forcing Oregon officials to post health warnings against swimming in the lake. Boating, birding, wildlife watching, paddling, fishing and economically-valuable tourism are other casualties of a dying lake. A local sportswriter wrote in the Klamath Herald and News “Outside of the springtime, I avoid the lake like the plague.”

The solution to healing the lake is more balanced management of water resources. Water scarcity is a fact of life in arid regions like the Klamath Basin, but endless conflict over water doesn’t have to be. Unfortunately, the U.S. Congress recently failed to approve The Klamath Basin Restoration Act (KBRA) a water sharing agreement hammered out by Tribes, irrigators, fishermen, conservationists and people from all corners of the Klamath Basin.

Position Overview

The Wildlife Biologist is a scientific professional of the Natural Resources Department who performs a variety of managerial, professional, and scientific ecological work in connection with the determination, establishment and application of the biological facts, principles and procedures necessary for the conservation and management of wildlife species. This position requires a combination of field and office work. 

The Wildlife Biologist responsibilities include the management, planning, protection, preservation, and enhancement of wildlife resources with a special emphasis on Treaty reserved resources.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's Degree in Wildlife Biology or related field is preferred; or BS Degree in Wildlife Biology or a related field. (Copy of degree or transcripts must be submitted with application.)
• Minimum of three (3) years of wildlife biology field experience professionally, educationally or combination of both.
• Experience in big game management and biology preferably with mule deer or elk.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Preferred:

• Work experience in intermountain ponderosa pine ecosystems, preferred.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below by October 1, 2018.