Fisheries Geneticist

~ The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) coordinates management policy and provides fisheries technical services for the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes. ~

CRITFC's mission is "to ensure a unified voice in the overall management of the fishery resources, and as managers, to protect reserved treaty rights through the exercise of the inherent sovereign powers of the tribes."

This mission is accomplished with four primary goals:

1.  Put Fish Back in the Rivers and Protect Watersheds Where Fish Live

CRITFC provides our four member tribes and the region with invaluable biological research, fisheries management, hydrology, and other science to support the protection and restoration of Columbia River Basin salmon, lamprey, and sturgeon. The vision of this goal is to reverse the decline of salmon, lamprey, and sturgeon and rebuild their numbers to full productivity. This work is guided by the holistic principles outlined in Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit (Spirit of the Salmon), the tribal salmon plan that addresses recommended restoration actions in every phase of the salmon's lifecycle from stream to ocean and back.

2.  Protect Tribal Treaty Fishing Rights

CRITFC employs lawyers, policy analysts, and fisheries enforcement officers who work to ensure that tribal treaty rights are protected. All of these activities are done in careful coordination with and under the direction of member tribes. The commission works closely with state and federal agencies to ensure fair harvest sharing between tribal and non-tribal fisheries.

3. Share Salmon Culture

CRITFC shares news, information, and the tribal perspective on a variety of issues. Common topics include salmon and lamprey restoration, the nature of treaty fishing rights, and tribal culture. This effort ranges from school children to policy makers. By educating the general public on these topics, the tribes hope to increase interest for productive partnerships and support in the effort to restore Columbia River Basin salmon and lamprey.

4. Provide Fisher Services

CRITFC provides a variety of services directly to fishers from its member tribes. The Salmon Marketing program provides fishers from the four member tribes with resources to help them carry on the tradition of making a living from fishing, whether that be from commercial, over-the-bank, or value-added fish sales. The organization also operates and maintains 31 fishing access sites along the Columbia River for the exclusive or near-exclusive use of the fishers from all the member tribes.

Position Overview

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) is seeking Fisheries Geneticists with experience in population genomics, association mapping, and mixed stock analysis. Positions are part of the Fishery Science Department, but will be located with the genetics group at the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station in Hagerman, ID.

This research group is involved in testing conservation, evolution, and ecological theories related to salmonids and other fishes. The employee will work under the Lead Geneticist, in association with CRITFC geneticists and technicians, as well as staff of the Fishery Science Department in Portland, OR.

Efforts will focus on applying empirical genetics/genomics data to address questions related to conservation and recovery of steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, sturgeon, lamprey, and other fishes of the Columbia River Basin. 

Responsibilities 

Specific duties of this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Conduct laboratory analyses with next-generation sequencing methods.
• Perform data analysis with heavy emphasis on population genetics.
• Develop sampling designs and protocols for studies.
• Execute research in accord with developed proposals.
• Produce reports and peer reviewed publications of key scientific results.
• Develop research proposals to attract extramural funding.
• Participate in inter-agency workgroups, as necessary.
• Provide technical advice and reviews in the areas of genetics and conservation biology to tribal staff, attorneys and policy.
• Other duties as assigned and as appropriate to CRITFC goals and purposes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• The Fisheries Geneticist are required to have a Ph.D. or M.S. (with 3 years of experience) in the field of molecular biology, genetics, fishery biology, ecology and/or a related discipline.

In addition, the scientist must have demonstrated skills in the following areas: 

• Research experience related to population/conservation genetics.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with current molecular genomics techniques (e.g., RAD-seq, RNA-seq, GT-seq).
• Excellent understanding of population genetics theory.
• Experience in statistical analyses, computer modeling and the relevant software.
• Proven ability to publish research in peer-reviewed publications.
• Good writing and oral communication skills.
• Inter-personal skills, including the ability to develop, guide, and work within inter-disciplinary teams.
• Strong skills with common computer software for word processing, spreadsheet, database, and statistics use. 

The following qualifications, although not required, are desirable: 

• Demonstrated technical competence in fishery biology or a closely related discipline.
• Database experience and computer programming/coding skills.
• Knowledge regarding fishes of the Columbia River and western United States.

Additional Information

Supervision:

The incumbent must be an effective team member and may assist in supervision of technicians. Fisheries Geneticist must have the ability to work independently, but coordinate and communicate well with Lead Geneticist in Hagerman, and staff in the Fishery Science department in Portland, OR.

Working Conditions:

Most of the work is performed in a laboratory or office setting. There will be opportunities to participate in field sampling and attend regional meetings, conferences and workshops. Must be able to travel occasionally, by auto and air.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy:

The driver operating a CRITFC vehicle or their own private vehicle for business related purposes shall be in possession of a valid, unrestricted current driver's license, or other operator's license, as required by law; and be eligible for coverage under CRITFC's Motor Vehicle insurance policy. Upon request, CRITFC's Motor Vehicle policy is available to applicants to review the required criteria.