Scott Carlson
Who We Are

Job Opportunities

Who We Are

Job Opportunities

Author: Lori Howk

The mission of the Wild Salmon Center (WSC) is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim. We do this by establishing a local presence and/or providing technical and financial assistance to local partners to help them secure the health of the most productive salmon ecosystems on earth. We depend on the best conservation science to guide pragmatic, implementable solutions to sustain wild salmonids, as well as the human communities and livelihoods that depend on them. 

Wild Salmon Center is an international organization with programs in Alaska, the Russian Far East, Sakhalin Island, Kamchatka, Japan, British Columbia, and the California, Oregon and Washington coasts. The home office is located in Portland, Oregon in the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center. 

WSC is the leading group working to protect the strongest wild salmon rivers around the entire North Pacific – salmon strongholds. We focus on wild salmon because they are an iconic and powerful conservation symbol, wild to the core, with an incredible life story. When you protect salmon, you support the life of whole watersheds and everything in them, including people. We build alliances with and work alongside the most effective local and regional partners in the North Pacific.

WILD SALMON CENTER IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Salmon Watershed Scientist

Reports to: Director of Science

The Organization
The mission of the Wild Salmon Center (WSC) is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim. We do this by establishing a local presence and/or providing technical and financial assistance to local partners to help them secure the health of the most productive salmon ecosystems on earth. We depend on the best conservation science to guide pragmatic, implementable solutions to sustain wild salmonids, as well as the human communities and livelihoods that depend on them.

Wild Salmon Center is an international organization with programs in Alaska, the Russian Far East, Sakhalin Island, Kamchatka, Japan, British Columbia, and the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. The home office is in Portland, Oregon in the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center.

Position Summary
Salmon Watershed Scientist is a full-time, regular exempt position eligible for all WSC benefits. The position is based in WSC’s home office in Portland, Oregon.

The person in this position will work with WSC’s Science Director and the WSC Science Advisory Board to develop, manage, and execute applied salmon conservation research, provide scientific support to WSC’s conservation initiatives, collaborate with WSC program staff, and communicate science findings to policy makers, managers, and the public.

The Salmon Watershed Scientist will help maintain and enhance WSC’s reputation and standing as the leading science-based Pacific salmon conservation organization and work closely with a group of world-class conservation scientists who comprise the WSC Science Advisory Board. They will be responsible for coordination between WSC’s science program, Board of Directors, and the Science Advisory Board, as well as project management, collaborative analysis and communication of critical salmon information, concepts, and innovative approaches to salmon conservation. 

In doing so, the Salmon Watershed Scientist will continue to support WSC in developing, prioritizing, and communicating science-based conservation strategies.

Responsibilities and Qualifications Summary
The successful candidate will have an MSc in fisheries, freshwater ecology, geomorphology, watershed science, or related field; experience with project management and coordination, and a track record of peer-reviewed publication. They will be mission-driven and possess collaboration and communication skills. They will have experience or the capacity to develop skills to work with partners from diverse nations and cultures. We are especially interested in candidates with a strong passion for Pacific salmon conservation.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide coordinating capacity to support for collaboration and communication between the WSC Science Advisory Board, Science Director, and Board of Directors. 
  • Work with the Science Director and Program Directors to prioritize and deliver the most appropriate science and technical assistance to projects or initiatives as needed.
  • Work with WSC’s Science Director and Communications Program to contribute to peer-reviewed research and to develop science communications that educate and motivate target audiences on key salmon conservation issues.
  • Cultivate collaborative relationships with agency, academic, NGO and private-sector peers to provide guidance and access to the best available science.
  • Work with WSC Scientists and the Development Program to help secure funding for priority science initiatives.

Position Requirements

  • Experience and interest in project management and coordination
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Knowledge of Pacific salmon life histories and watersheds.
  • Active participation in and familiarity with applied salmon conservation science.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; effective diplomatic and friendly communication style, and ability to translate complex science and conservation issues into clear and understandable language to diverse audiences.
  • Passion and commitment to the conservation of wild salmon and their ecosystems.
  • This is a full-time exempt position. Work will involve occasional evening or weekend hours. 
  • The position involves regional and international travel.
  • Ability to participate in field work including hiking in diverse terrain in and around flowing water.
  • Ability to attend meetings and workshops outside of regular work hours as requested.

Education
MSc in fisheries, freshwater ecology, geomorphology, watershed science, or related field, or a bachelors and 3-years of work experience. 

Compensation
Salary range starts at $65,000 but will be determined commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package designed to help our employees stay healthy and plan for their financial future is included. Elements include a premium-free healthcare plan, disability insurance, high-matching 401k plan, FSA, flexible work schedule and very generous PTO accrual.

WILD SALMON CENTER IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TO APPLY:
Send a cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position (2 pages maximum) and a curriculum vitae to [email protected].

Position will be open until filled, but applications should be submitted by May 31, 2022, to receive full consideration. The preferred start date is June 2022.

Note: Management has the exclusive right to change or alter this position description at any time without advance notice.

Volunteer with Us

Want to make a difference in protecting some of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems across the northern Pacific Rim? All volunteer opportunities are on hold until further notice, but check our volunteer page for future opportunities.