Fisheries Scientist

Salary, Benefits and Hiring level: $95,488 - $128,689 starting, DOE; (promotion potential to GS-13 step 10, equivalent to $147,615 in 2025) . In addition, the Pacific Council offers generously competitive insurance and retirement benefits.

Organizational Culture

At the Pacific Council, we value respect, integrity, curiosity, and collaboration. Our team is mission-driven and supportive, combining analytical rigor with a genuine commitment to sustainable fisheries and fishing communities. We work together in a transparent, collegial environment that celebrates teamwork, innovation, and diverse perspectives. 

Summary

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Council manages fisheries in federal waters off Washington, Oregon, and California through transparent, science-based decision-making that sustains fish populations and the communities that depend on them. 

Our work covers groundfish, salmon, highly migratory species, and coastal pelagic species, and increasingly addresses issues such as climate change, offshore wind energy, and aquaculture. Council staff support this mission by conducting analyses, coordinating advisory bodies, and ensuring open, inclusive public processes in collaboration with stakeholders as well as state, tribal, and federal partners. 

Position Overview

The Pacific Council is seeking a Fisheries Scientist (Staff Officer) with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or a related discipline. 

This position plays a central role in the development of scientific processes, the review of scientific analyses, and providing recommendations and insights for informing Council decisions. The successful candidate will apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex fishery management issues, work collaboratively with diverse experts and stakeholders, and communicate scientific information clearly to policymakers and the public. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead or contribute to scientific analyses, reports, and discussion papers supporting Fishery Management Plans, plan amendments, and regulatory actions.
• Conduct or review biological, oceanographic, and ecological analyses relevant to fisheries management decisions.
• Integrate information from stock assessments, ecosystem models, and monitoring programs into management advice.
• Foster evidence-based decision making via the development and application of peer review processes.
• Coordinate with state, tribal, and federal scientists to ensure analytical rigor and consistency across disciplines.
• Facilitate and coordinate the meetings and agendas of Council advisory bodies and scientific review panels.
• Present complex scientific information clearly and objectively to decision-makers, advisory bodies, and the public.
• Maintain neutrality and professionalism in a dynamic, sometimes contentious policy environment.

Qualifications 

 Desired Minimums  

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, or synthesize scientific analyses related to living marine resources.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
• High professional and ethical standards, with a commitment to objectivity and public service.

  Additional Preferred 

• Familiarity with West Coast fisheries and the Council’s management process.
• Experience contributing to peer review, stock assessments, or ecosystem-based management.
• Experience leading or supporting multidisciplinary or interagency projects.
• Knowledge of federal fisheries policy frameworks and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Physical Demands

Staff Officers operate at the intersection of science, policy, and public engagement. The position requires occasional travel throughout the West Coast (typically 4-8 days per trip) and occasional international travel. A primarily remote work arrangement is not available. 

Work Environment

The work is primarily in an office environment. Frequent use of a keyboard and other computer hardware is required, often for lengthy periods of time. Use of other typical office equipment may also be required. Extended periods of continuous work beyond eight hours per day is often required. Lifting of light to moderately heavy boxes and equipment and unloading and loading boxes and equipment into and from vehicles, may be required.  

Hiring Requirements

Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.