Job Description

Overview:

Our client, an engineering firm specializing in renewable energy, water, and environmental solutions, is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead and support ecological assessments and water management projects. This role focuses on conducting instream flow and habitat analyses, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, evaluating ecosystem flow requirements, and delivering science-based recommendations that support sustainable water allocation and regulatory decision making across environmentally sensitive and high-visibility projects, including those related to hydropower and water resource management This is a hybrid, full-time position based in Portland, OR.

Responsibilities:

• Leading instream flow assessments using methods such as PHABSIM, IFIM, and habitat simulation models.
• Analyzing hydrologic and ecological data to determine flow needs for aquatic organisms and riparian habitats.
• Interpreting hydraulic modeling results and GIS-based habitat mapping.
• Collecting and interpreting field data on streamflow, habitat conditions, and water quality.
• Preparing technical reports and communicating findings to stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
• Applying regional expertise to assess flow requirements and habitat conditions for native freshwater aquatic species in the Pacific Northwest and/or California.
• Evaluating species-specific habitat needs (e.g., salmonids and other freshwater fish species) in relation to streamflow and hydrologic conditions.
• Supporting or leading studies that inform regulatory processes related to species protection, habitat conservation, and water resource management.

Requirements:

• MS or PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• 10 years of field experience in streamflow measurement and habitat surveys.
• Experience with instream flow assessments, aquatic habitat impact analyses, ecological modeling, and statistical analyses, as well as project management and consulting.
• Familiarity with environmental flow standards, water management regulations, and hydropower operations.
• Knowledge of water rights frameworks and instream flow policy.
• Extensive experience working with freshwater aquatic species native to the Pacific Northwest and/or California (e.g., salmonids or similar species of regulatory or ecological importance).
• Demonstrated experience applying instream flow methodologies in region-specific ecological contexts.
• Experience must be directly related to freshwater ecosystems; marine or terrestrial ecology experience alone will not be considered.
• Experience supporting projects subject to state and federal environmental regulations (e.g., ESA, FERC, or similar frameworks).
• Strong knowledge of streamflow dynamics and aquatic species-habitat relationships.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain long-lasting relationships with clients to assist them in solving complex challenges related to aquatic ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team and to apply strong consulting and scientist skills from study design and planning through analysis and reporting.
• Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

Work sponsorship is not available at this time. Third-party candidates will not be considered for this position.

ACS Professional Staffing will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to the applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.

If you have any questions about the job posting, please contact recruiting@acsprostaffing.com

If you have any questions about our Reasonable Accommodation Policy, please feel free to email hr@acsprostaffing.com

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