Vice President, Science

The mission of the Wild Salmon Center is to identify, understand and protect the best wild salmon ecosystems of the Pacific Rim. The Center devises and implements practical strategies, based on the best science, to protect forever these extraordinary places and their biodiversity.

The Center is a $6M multi-national organization with a staff of 30 and operations in The Russian Far East, the Kamchatka peninsula, Alaska, the Olympic Peninsula, the Oregon Coast and the John Day and Umpqua Rivers. The home office is located in Portland, Oregon, in the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, with satellite offices in Port Angeles, Washington; and in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, Russia.

The Position: 

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President for Science's principal responsibilities are to ensure that the Center's conservation programs are based upon state-of the-art conservation science, and to represent the Center at international scientific forums as a leader in salmon conservation science. This position maintains and enhances the Center's existing network of contacts within the conservation science community. The VP is responsible for science partnerships and supervision of all monitoring and research activities across the Center's operations. This person also maintains and enhances the Center's reputation and standing as the leading science-based Pacific salmon conservation organization. 

Responsibilities: 

* Participates as a core member of the management team - operational to strategic decisions regarding structural, program and policy direction of the Center. Supervises the science staff.
* Leads in the implementation of conservation prioritization, rapid assessment, monitoring metrics, and conservation planning internationally at both the regional and basin scale, and based upon salmon best-management practices. Communicates to others inside and outside the Center of the benefits of the network approach.
* Leads development and promotion of salmon conservation policy goals and standards, and participates in key salmon conservation forums such the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission and IUCN. Ensures the scientific support for the development and implementation of all conservation programs. Articulates and advocates for Salmon Management Principles, establishing a "Gold Standard" of leadership.
* Coordinates worldwide Center partnerships with research and monitoring organizations (universities, agencies, etc.).
* Monitors the effectiveness measures of various approaches to conservation protocols.
* Provides counsel regarding threats, best management practices, harvest and escapement targets, approaches to hatcheries etc.
* Provides scientific leadership and direction to the State of the Salmon program, a joint program of the Center and Ecotrust (see www.ecotrust.org).
* Supports the Development department in obtaining financial support for the Science and Conservation programs. Assists the Communications department of the Center as appropriate. 

Key qualifications: 

* PhD in fisheries (preferably salmonid) ecology or related field.
* Professional and academic stature and relevant publications.
* Recognized as a leader and formulator of fisheries management policy
* A broad understanding of ecology, biology, conservation and management.
* Active participant in salmon policy debates and the role of science in setting fishery and habitat policy.
* Experience in regional and international salmon fisheries forums required, such as the Pacific Salmon Treaty, North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission, or other similar bodies.
* Strong management skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Committed to the conservation of salmon and their ecosystems.
* A strong understanding of Russian fisheries management preferred. 
* Russian language skills preferred. 

Travel: This position requires domestic and international travel up to 25% of the time, often for several weeks at a time. 

Compensation: The compensation package includes a competitive salary and excellent fringe benefits package, including retirement plan match, medical and dental plan, flexible medical and dependent care spending accounts, life insurance and disability coverage. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume.