Fisheries Program Manager

Fisheries Program Manager

Job Title: Fisheries Program Manager
Department: Natural Resources
Reports to: Natural Resources Director
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Opens: 06/23/2025
Closes: Open until filled
Salary: GS 11/12 Equivalent DOE ($73,939 – $88,621 annually w/ benefits)

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fisheries Program Manager will plan, develop, implement, and oversee all fisheries-related projects for the Burns Paiute Tribe’s Natural Resources Department. This position is responsible for managing staff, administering grants, and collaborating with various agencies to protect and enhance aquatic species and habitat within the Tribe’s ancestral territory. Duties include supervising field operations, data management, budget oversight, interagency coordination, and public/Tribal engagement. The successful applicant will ensure that project deliverables are completed efficiently and in compliance with all funding and reporting requirements.

 

This is a leadership-level position requiring strong technical knowledge, personnel management skills, and experience with fisheries and aquatic systems in the Columbia River Basin or similar ecosystems.

 

Burns/Hines, Oregon is a rural community in eastern Oregon with a population of approximately 5,000 people. The Malheur Wildlife Refuge, Malheur National Forest, Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, and Steens Mountain Wilderness are all within 1.5 hour drive from town. 

 

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supervise and support Fisheries Program staff in all field and office activities.
  • Oversee all aspects of fisheries-related grants, including budgeting, reporting, and deliverables.
  • Develop and submit proposals for new funding opportunities.
  • Maintain working relationships with federal, state, Tribal, and local partners.
  • Design and coordinate fish population monitoring, aquatic habitat assessments, and research efforts.
  • Ensure proper data collection, QA/QC, and timely submission of required reports.
  • Represent the Tribe in technical workgroups and collaborative partnerships.
  • Assist in annual work planning, long-term planning, and Tribal Council presentations.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable environmental regulations and funding requirements.
  • Promote community and Tribal youth involvement in fisheries and aquatic conservation.
  • Assist other programs and departments with field work, planning, collaboration, and other projects, as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or closely related field.
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience, including field research and program/project management.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to manage teams.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS; capable of analyzing and managing fisheries data.
  • Familiarity with ESA-listed species, Columbia River Basin fisheries, and tribal fisheries management practices.
  • Experience with grant writing, administration, and reporting.

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Able to work with a diverse group of individuals.
  • Physically fit to perform the duties of fieldwork.
  • Willing to work under a variety of environmental conditions (wet, cold, dry, hot weather).
  • Available to work flexible hours, interdepartmentally, and weekends when necessary.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Willingness to travel and camp out in the field on occasion.
  • A responsible driver with a valid driver’s license and prudent driving record.
  • Able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Science, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in fisheries management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity.
  • Demonstrated success managing budgets exceeding $250,000/year.
  • Knowledge of tribal sovereignty and tribal natural resources management.
  • Experience coordinating with BPA, USFWS, NOAA, or other partners.
  • Strong writing skills including peer-reviewed or technical publications.

           

INDIAN PREFERENCE

Indian preference will be given to candidates showing proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe. In the absence of Indian applications meeting the qualifications as listed above, all applicants not entitled to or who fail to claim Indian Preference, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, political preference, age, religion, or national origin.

 

Successful candidate must:

  • Submit to and pass a drug test.
  • Submit to a criminal background check.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Provide three (3) years of driving record to determine eligibility for coverage under Tribal automobile insurance policy.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Return 1) completed Burns Paiute Tribe Application, 2) cover letter, 3) resume/CV, and 4) educational transcripts to:

Shannan Mehringer, Human Resources Director
Burns Paiute Tribe
100 Pasigo St, Burns, OR 97720
Phone: 541-573-8013
Email: HR@burnspaiute-nsn.gov OR Shannan.Mehringer@burnspaiute-nsn.gov

 

And

 

CC: Trey Wall, CCF®, AWB®, Natural Resources Director
Burns Paiute Tribe
71210 Foley Road, Burns, OR 97720
Phone: 541-573-8021
Email: Trey.Wall@burnspaiute-nsn.gov

For more information, contact Trey Wall (above).

 

 

**ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED**

 

Application for employment available at 100 Pasigo Street, Burns, OR 97720 Mon – Fri, 8-5 pm

Or, request one via email: hr@burnspaiute-nsn.gov