National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Job Description

Position:          Aquatic Biologist I (2 positions, duration of 5 months each)

Project Code: FW-FWW-1054 during the months of June and October

Project Code: FW-FWW-1055 during the months of July, August, and September

Reports to:      Forest Watershed Scientist

Work Week:    Non-Exempt position; 40+ hours per week to meet work demands
Revised:          April 13, 2026

Duty Station:   Western Washington (primary field work location); limited work in Oregon

Duration:         Seasonal Position, June through October 2026 (5 months)

Salary:             $21.35 to $24.23 per hour (commensurate with experience), no housing provided

Benefits:          Position not eligible for benefits, does provide paid NCASI designated holidays

Safety:            The following job posting is for a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death and is therefore exempt from Washington’s marijuana testing law RCW 49.44.240, and pre-employment marijuana testing is required.

Key Words:     Aquatic ecosystem ecology, managed forests, western Washington

 

Essential Job Functions:

Will assist with a forest management stream temperature study with deployment of temperature sensors across ~30 streams in western Washington in June and retrieval in October. Will work on a separate large spatial study in western Washington to evaluate aquatic ecosystem response to differences forest watershed stand age by quantifying physical, chemical, and biological data between July and September. Train crew in fish and macroinvertebrate surveys following established methodology. Train crew in collection of aquatic habitat data, water and benthic biomass samples, and download data from sensors. Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to get to and work from remote locations, drive safely on forest roads that may have active log truck traffic, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public. Possess ability to carry-out associated field work that may involve prolonged (multi-day) exposure to inclement conditions and a necessity to hike carrying equipment (20 pounds or more) over rough terrain (for 2 miles or more). Gather and analyze data and related information. Willingness to have a flexible work schedule.      Overnight camping near study sites is expected. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of NCASI. Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry. Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner. 

Additional Responsibilities:

Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor. Follow all safety protocols. Pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. 

Minimum Qualifications:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field.

2.    Experience with fish identification and aquatic ecology sampling protocols.

3.    Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and insured at standard rates.

4.    Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

1.    Local fish identification experience (Oregon or Washington)

2.    Experience implementing standard protocols for collection of aquatic physical, chemical, and biotic data.

 

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Ms. Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, specifying “Aquatic Biologist I, 5-month Position” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin April 30, 2026, and continue until positions are filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.