Aquatic Scientist (Fish Biologist, Plant Ecologist, Wetland Scientist), all levels – OR

We have full-time openings for Aquatic Scientists of all levels, based out of our Hood River, OR office.

How to Apply & Timeline

If you would like to apply, please submit a Resume & Cover Letter via email to [email protected] and include ‘Aquatic Scientist – OR’ in the subject line.

We will be accepting applications until the position is filled.

Firm Description

Since 1984, Inter-Fluve has been a leading water resources science and engineering firm specializing in river restoration. We have worked across the United States and internationally on projects that include dam removal, aquatic habitat restoration, wetlands assessment, floodplain restoration, watershed analysis, estuary restoration, and other water-related projects.

Our dedicated team of professionals share their passion for nature through their service to our clients. We apply a broad range of science and engineering skills to investigate and design restoration, enhancement, and recovery solutions for degraded riverine, wetland, estuarine and lake environments. Throughout our history, our company’s focus has always been to collaborate, explore, question, and advance our craft.

Visit our website to learn more about our story at www.interfluve.com.

Position Description

We are seeking a scientist with expertise in a discipline of aquatic restoration to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience and education in a core discipline relevant to water resources restoration e.g., fisheries biology, stream ecology, riparian or plant ecology, aquatic habitat biology, watershed hydrology, or wetland science. The candidate should have a firm understanding of river and wetland ecosystem processes and be able to assist in various aspects of data collection, analysis, design, implementation, and project management of river, estuarine, and wetland restoration projects.

Location: Hood River, OR

Work Schedule

These positions will be based out of our office locations and employees are expected to be in the office at least 3 days a week, Monday – Friday. Employees may elect to work from home up to 2 days a week if and when job duties allow (e.g. field work and in person meetings take precedence.) This position may include frequent fieldwork and travel up to 7 days at a time.

Approximately one-third of the work for this position may be field-based, though time will vary seasonally. Longer field days and/or inconsistent work schedule may be required during certain seasons, such as summer and fall.

Required Qualifications for Technician Level

  • Postgraduate degree or Bachelor’s degree in core water resources discipline and 0-3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline desired.
  • Experience completing technical elements of restoration projects such as field work, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, data analysis, design computation, and/or construction observation.
  • Experience in one or more software programs used for analysis, communication, and design, including ArcGIS, Excel, R.
  • Passion for aquatic ecosystem health and restoration.
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for up to 7 days at a time. Typical travel is of shorter duration, but longer periods of travel may periodically be required.
  • Ability to effectively self-manage your time to balance multiple deadlines/commitments and to practice self-reflection.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required Qualifications for Staff Level

  • All requirements listed above for Technician level.
  • Bachelor’s degree in core water resources discipline and 3-7 years of relevant work experience.
  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline desired.
  • Professional licensure in area of expertise or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of start date.
  • Expertise in completing technical elements of restoration projects such as field work, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, data analysis, design computation, and/or construction observation.
  • Expertise in one or more software programs used for analysis, communication, and design, including ArcGIS, Excel, R.
  • Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate river and floodplain conditions and anthropogenic disturbances.
  • Excellent research skills and ability to use a combination of desktop analysis and field assessment to characterize ecological conditions of a project area based on multiple lines of evidence and estimate ecological trajectory.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead elements of a restoration design with oversight from a senior scientist or project manager.
  • Experience working closely with geomorphologists, ecologists, biologists, and water resources engineers to develop appropriate restoration treatment approaches that alter the trajectory of a system to meet project goals.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications for Senior Staff Level

  • All requirements listed above for Technician and Staff levels.
  • Postgraduate or Bachelor’s degree in core water resources discipline, 7+ years of relevant work experience, and professional licensure in area of expertise.
  • Master’s degree and professional licensure strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with large teams including internal team members, clients, teaming partners, the general public, and diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Technical expertise in the practice of aquatic science as it applies to river restoration, and proven experience of continued technical growth in the discipline.
  • Experience managing projects and leading design of river, estuarine, and wetland restoration projects.
  • Experience building and leading teams to deliver projects, including meeting technical, schedule, and financial targets.
  • Excellent delegation skills and ability to communicate clear expectations to project teams.
  • Ability to review and guide the work of less experienced staff working within a similar discipline.

Additional Desired Qualifications at Any Level

  • Professional experience with river, stream, estuarine, wetland and/or floodplain restoration projects.
  • Experience with scientific field surveys and sampling techniques for rivers and wetlands.
  • Experience with topographic or bathymetric surveying including with GPS RTK, Total Station, sonar, or UAV-based methods.
  • Wetland delineation training or certification.
  • Construction oversight or management experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of aquatic resources from a non-white perspective as relates to restoration activities.
  • Experience leading the business development component of a new area of pursuit, such as a new client group, geographic area of work, or a new type of project.
  • Published work or contributions to the body of knowledge relevant to the discipline and practice.

Essential Duties

Essential duties will vary depending on the experience level of the candidate and are listed accordingly below.

Technician/Staff Aquatic Scientist Tasks May Include:

  • Technician level may apply routine and standard techniques and procedures with oversight to meet project needs, while Staff level may apply informed judgement to independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques to meet project needs.
  • Technician level will occasionally assist with components of proposals while Staff level may lead technical portion of proposal development for small pursuits.
  • Conduct field work, which may include aquatic habitat assessments, aquatic species surveys, topographic and bathymetric surveys, fish salvage efforts during construction, installation of data loggers, etc.
  • Perform data analysis and figure production.
  • Prepare permit documents/materials.
  • Work on multiple projects of all sizes and complexity simultaneously.
  • May lead internal project meetings and presentations and contribute to significant portions of client or stakeholder meetings.
  • Staff level may manage small or medium-sized projects or specific parts of larger projects.
  • Carry responsibility for design/completion of programs such as field investigations or numerical modeling.
  • Effectively manage short- and long-term workload to meet deadlines while maintaining utilization.
  • Participate in performance feedback discussions, seek out work, give and receive feedback.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Senior Aquatic Scientist Tasks May Include:

  • Apply in-depth knowledge and expertise acquired through progressive experience to apply current principles and practices in the field of water resources engineering.
  • Lead large field data collection efforts that involve topographic survey, site assessment, and project identification.
  • Lead design discussions for large and complex projects and making design decisions with significant influence on the project.
  • Lead and coordinate the preparation of large and complex reports and design sets.
  • Perform advanced scientific analysis in your discipline (such as – analyzing, characterizing, and synthesizing community, population, or habitat dynamics based on existing or collected data) and integrating analyses of the project team.
  • Perform internal peer review of documents, analyses, and deliverables for quality assurance.
  • Commonly serves on professional committees, as a technical advisor, or as an instructor at trainings.
  • Performs a business development role by representing Inter-Fluve at events (e.g., conferences, client events) and in direct marketing outreach to potential clients and teaming partners.
  • Lead the technical portion of proposal development for pursuits of all sizes.
  • Project management tasks including:
    • Scope, schedule, and budget preparation.
    • Leading project teams and meeting technical, schedule and financial targets.
    • Delegating, and providing clear estimates of hours, deliverables, and timelines expected to be met.
    • Attending internal project management training.
  • Work closely with other project managers and Regional Director to resolve schedule issues and other workload conflicts that may arise.
  • Work closely with Regional Director, Marketing Director, Project Managers, and Principals to stay efficiently engaged in project work and business development pursuits.
  • Participate in performance feedback discussions, seek out work, give and receive feedback.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits & Additional Information

Inter-Fluve, Inc. offers a competitive compensation package that includes paid time off, nine paid holidays, 100% employer paid health plan, 401k with employer contribution after waiting period, paid family and medical leave, and more.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Inter-Fluve is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.