The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is recruiting for a Fish and Wildlife Scientist III position to serve as a Streamflow Protection Biologist. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a small state. This position serves as VFWD's lead representative in flow-related regulatory proceedings. The position's primary focus is on making flow determinations for federally (FERC) regulated hydropower facilities, with many licenses expiring in the coming decade; however, it also routinely engages in the regulation and assessment of state-regulated hydropower projects, non-powered dams, and other water uses (e.g., snowmaking-related withdrawals). Through this work, the position is uniquely positioned to have a long-lasting influence on instream flows and dam operations affecting fish and wildlife across the state. Join VFWD in its mission to conserve fish and wildlife, and their habitats for the people of Vermont!
Core duties
- Serve as the Department's lead representative and technical expert in flow-related regulatory proceedings affecting Vermont waterways
- Collaborate and coordinate with multiple stakeholders during flow negotiations, including VFWD staff, staff from other state (e.g., Vermont DEC) and federal agencies (e.g., USFWS), non-governmental organizations, applicants/permittees/project owners, etc.
- Conduct field and modeling studies to inform the Department's position on water-use projects
- Participate as a VFWD representative on the Vermont Dam Task Force and the US-Canada Instream Flow Council
- Support the development of policies, procedures, and guidance documents relating to environmental flows and alteration of fluvial habitats
- Engage in other regulatory proceedings affecting stream habitat (e.g., land use or stream alteration permits) as necessary
- Participate in Department- and Agency-level technical teams as a subject matter expert
Desired skills/knowledge
- Working knowledge of environmental flows, fish-habitat relationships, river science, hydrology, and associated analytical tools/methods (e.g., hydraulic-habitat modeling)
- Knowledge of principles of fish biology and fisheries science
- Knowledge of how dams, and associated operations, influence riverine and reservoir habitats and biota
- Familiarity with hydropower and other uses of surface water (e.g., snowmaking); knowledge/familiarity with FERC hydropower relicensing a plus
- Strong writing and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently, plan and track long-term projects and tasks
Application Deadline: 27 October 2019
For more information, and to apply: https://careers.vermont.gov/job/Montpelier-Fish-&-Wildlife-Scientist...