Staff Scientist / Senior Staff Scientist, CA Program

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Offer scientific guidance on measurable goals and response metrics for the recovery of native salmon, steelhead, trout, ecosystems, and communities.

• Assess and analyze habitat and ecosystem enhancement initiatives, focusing on floodplains, estuaries, and meadows.

• Design and implement field monitoring using established protocols, including instream flow, water temperature, geomorphology, habitat evaluations, and fish and macroinvertebrate sampling.

• Collaborate with partners to co-develop monitoring strategies when relevant.

• Oversee, perform quality assurance/quality control, analyze, and visualize ecological and hydrologic datasets.

• Conduct quantitative analyses to support scientific research and planning efforts.

• Review and provide feedback on the scientific content and validity of proposed projects, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory actions, including FERC relicensing, CEQA/NEPA, water rights, and instream flow proceedings.

• Perform literature reviews, conduct interviews, and gather field data related to fish and aquatic ecosystem conservation and restoration.

• Integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge when applicable.

• Prepare and submit grant and fundraising proposals for science-driven restoration and planning initiatives.

• Represent Trout Unlimited in collaborative science discussions, technical advisory groups, confidential settlement negotiations, and public planning events.

• Author and co-author science-oriented documents pertaining to research, planning, restoration, and monitoring.

• Prepare and present oral presentations to community members and decision-makers.

• Engage with local, state, and federal decision-makers through outreach efforts.

• Establish reciprocal relationships with Tribes and community-based organizations.

• Mentor science interns, graduate students, and emerging scientists.

• Collaborate with Trout Unlimited’s California Science Director and engage with science, policy, communications, and field staff, as well as external partners.

⛳️ Requirements

• PhD or Master’s Degree with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in salmonid ecology, fish biology, aquatic ecology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.

• Proven experience in developing, funding, and advancing scientific research projects and/or science-based restoration initiatives on the ground.

• Strong analytical abilities.

• Capability to develop and apply conceptual frameworks to extensive and diverse datasets.

• Proficiency in statistical software and GIS tools.

• Demonstrated field competencies in aquatic and fisheries monitoring and data collection.

• A strong commitment to collaborative work across differences.

• Ability to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals from various cultures, identities, and life experiences.

• Experience or genuine interest in collaborating with Tribes, frontline communities, and community-based organizations.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in conveying scientific concepts to non-technical and community audiences.

• Strong public speaking and writing capabilities.

• Demonstrated initiative and self-management skills.

• Creative and strategic thinking abilities.

• Willingness to travel occasionally as project needs arise.

• Familiarity with California’s watersheds and water management systems is a plus.

• Understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding rivers and fish is advantageous.

• Proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken in California’s watershed communities is a plus.

• Ability to work in field conditions that involve hiking over uneven terrain, wading in cold or swift water, and adapting to variable weather conditions.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Generous paid time off policy.

• Paid holidays.

• Family-friendly work environment.