Research Scientist

POSITION: Research Scientist

OFFICE LOCATION: Arcata CA (with travel for fieldwork research and meetings)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time Exempt (40 hrs/wk)

REPORTS TO: Darren Mierau Director of Science

COMPENSATION: $105000 / Annually

Position Summary:

CalTrout a leading nonprofit organization committed to ensuring healthy fish populations and resilient riverine ecosystems across California is seeking aResearch Scientistto contribute to development and publication of theState of the Salmon (SOS) III Report. This foundational report provides an in-depth analysis of the status of Californias salmon steelhead and trout populations building on the legacy of previous SOS reports and incorporating new and recent changes in species status. The Research Scientist will work closely with the CalTrout Director of Science Regional Directors and Senior Scientists as well as university agency and consulting science partners to deliver a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous assessment of fish population health and conservation strategies.

This position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced scientist to make a significant contribution to conservation science in California while building expertise in fisheries biology ecology and river ecosystem management.

Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to Salmonid Species Status Assessments

• Lead the research data collection and analysis needed to develop the third salmonid status assessment report (SOS III) focusing on recent abundance estimates population trends and factors influencing the population status of Californias salmon steelhead and trout species.
• Gather and synthesize population data from available sources including state and federal agencies academic institutions Tribes NGOs and conservation partners.
• Conduct quantitative analyses of species population dynamics habitat health climate impacts and restoration outcomes using existing and newly collected data.
• Serve as a primary author of the SOS III Report ensuring that the report is scientifically robust provides meaningful interpretations and is accessible to a broad audience including conservation practitioners policymakers funders and the public.

1. Develop Regional Investment Portfolios for Focal Salmonid Species

• Develop decision-support tools life cycle models and other analytical tools to support recovery planning for salmonid species in priority watersheds and regions.
• Work closely with state and federal fisheries agencies academic and tribal partners and CalTrout directors and scientists to prepare and analyze suites of recovery scenarios to support regional planning and initiatives.
• Solicit feedback and peer-review from agency partners scientists stakeholders and CalTrout directors and scientists to seek consensus on species recovery investments and expected outcomes.
• Work with CalTrouts science team and regional directors to develop and refine policies and strategies leading to reform of Californias salmon hatcheries and commercial harvest regulations.

1. Support for Regional Science Initiatives

• Assist and adviseCalTrout directorsto integrate science and monitoring programs and data collection plans into restoration and conservation projects and programs.
• Occasionally provide technical guidance scientific expertise and support for grant proposals project designs and during project implementation.
• Assist CalTrout marketing and communications teams to prepare accessible summaries and infographics that effectively communicate key findings to non-scientific audiences.
• Serve as a key resource in evaluating the effectiveness of restoration and conservation projects.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with a network of academic government and nonprofit partners to collect data share findings and gather input on draft sections of the report.
• Engage with key stakeholders including fishery managers conservation agencies and tribal representatives to ensure that the report reflects a diverse set of perspectives.

1. Project Management

• Develop and manage a detailed work plan and timeline to ensure that the SOS III Report is completed on time and within scope.
• Coordinate with CalTrout staff and external contractors (e.g. graphic designers data analysts) to ensure all elements of the report including visuals and supporting materials are of the highest quality.
• Prepare regular updates for the Director of Conservation and Science and CalTrout leadership outlining progress challenges and upcoming milestones.

1. Scientific Communication and Outreach

• Publish peer-reviewed papers based on research conducted for the SOS III Report contributing to the broader scientific understanding of Californias salmonid populations.
• Present key findings from the SOS III Report and Regional Investment Portfolios at conferences workshops and public events to raise awareness of and build consensus for salmonid conservation challenges and solutions.
• Participate in media interviews write blogs and contribute to other outreach materials that communicate SOS III findings to a broader audience.
• Provide expert commentary and insights to support CalTrouts policy and advocacy efforts ensuring that conservation strategies are informed by the best available science.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Education:Ph.D. in fisheries biology ecology environmental science or a related field with a strong background in quantitative analysis population dynamics or conservation biology.
• Experience:Prior research experience focused on salmonids aquatic ecology or watershed management is highly desirable. Experience with data analysis statistical modeling or geographic information systems (GIS) is a plus.
• Technical Skills:Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. R Python) and experience handling large ecological datasets. Familiarity with population modeling climate impact studies or restoration monitoring is advantageous.
• Research & Writing:Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality scientific research and produce clear compelling reports or peer-reviewed publications.
• Communication Skills:Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences including policymakers funders and the public.
• Project Management:Ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders balancing competing priorities and adhering to deadlines.

Benefits: California Trout offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; health benefits (medical dental and vision) retirement plan with matching generous holidays and vacation benefits

California Trout (CalTrout) is a highly recognized and effective 501(c)3 conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco. For over 50 years CalTrout has championed a remarkable number of initiatives focused on solving complex resource issues that balance the needs of fish and people. CalTrout has six regionally based offices located in key geographies where wild fish influence local communities. Our professional staff drives innovative science-based solutions that work for the diverse interests of fish farms commerce and the community. CalTrout is backed by a passionate Board of Directors along with highly committed donors and a strong membership base.

Diversity: CalTrout does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy and gender identity) national origin political affiliation sexual orientation marital status disability genetic information age membership in an employee organization retaliation parental status military service or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Were passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age gender identity race sexual orientation physical or mental ability ethnicity and perspective are proven to be better companies. More importantly creating an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work is the right thing to do.

Required Experience:

Senior IC