Research Scientist - Sustainable Fisheries & Natural Resources Management

Job Description

Job Description

Research Scientist – Sustainable Fisheries & Natural Resources Management Sacramento, California (with Offsite/Remote Support) Shape the Future of California's Water and Ecosystems

@Orchard is seeking a distinguished Research Scientist to take on a pivotal role supporting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) . This is a premier opportunity to apply your expertise to shape the future of California's most critical water management and species recovery challenges.

You will serve as a senior technical authority and trusted advisor to NOAA's California Central Valley Office (CCVO). Your work will directly influence federal decisions on hydropower operations, dam removal, fish passage, and the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for iconic species like Chinook salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon. If you are driven to see scientific research translate into meaningful conservation action, this role offers an unparalleled platform for impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Expert Scientific Analysis: Conduct and review critical studies on the interaction between hydropower facilities and fisheries. You will lead dam removal analyses, evaluate the feasibility of fish passage options, and provide expert review of technical studies performed by other agencies and stakeholders.
• Drive Endangered Species Act (ESA) Implementation: Guide the successful implementation of landmark ESA biological opinions for California's Central Valley Project (CVP). You will attend real-time operations meetings, provide on-the-spot technical reviews, and draft scientific analyses that inform water management decisions affecting threatened and endangered species.
• Champion Collaborative Science: Serve as a key scientific voice in major regional partnerships, including the Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management Program (CSAMP) and the Sacramento River Science Partnership (SRSP). You will help steer the scientific agenda, facilitate subcommittee meetings, and synthesize complex information to guide collaborative research and management efforts.
• Inform Critical Operations: Complete targeted studies, evaluations, and syntheses that directly inform the operations of major infrastructure like Shasta Dam. Your analysis will clarify the effects of water operations on the recovery of species listed under the ESA.

Required Education & Experience

This is a senior-level position requiring deep subject matter expertise and a distinguished track record of scientific contribution and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. from an accredited university in fisheries, biological sciences, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience focused on Pacific salmon population dynamics, ecology, and the effects of hydroelectric facilities on their life cycles.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience working directly with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as it relates to threatened and endangered salmonids.
• Deep working knowledge of Central Valley salmonid ecology and current scientific efforts related to habitat, survival, and management.
• A comprehensive understanding of the scientific work products and areas of expertise within NOAA Fisheries Science Centers.
• Demonstrated success in leading and participating in collaborative scientific initiatives with diverse internal and external stakeholders (e.g., federal/state agencies, research groups).
• Proven ability to rapidly master complex regulatory documents, such as the NMFS Biological Opinions for the CVP and State Water Project.
• Familiarity with the key stakeholder groups involved, such as CAMT and SRSP.
• Subject matter expertise or knowledge of NOAA Fisheries projects within the last three years.

Why This is a Premier Opportunity

• Unmatched Impact: Your work will directly influence policy and operations that are critical to the survival of endangered species and the health of California's largest river systems.
• Intellectual Leadership: Serve as a respected scientific authority in a highly visible, interdisciplinary environment, working alongside top experts from federal, state, and private sectors.
• Legacy-Building Work: Contribute to solutions for some of the most significant and complex natural resource challenges in the United States.
• Flexible & Collaborative Environment: Enjoy the autonomy of off-site work while engaging deeply with a dedicated team through authorized travel for key meetings and workshops.

If you are a seasoned scientist ready to apply your life's work to a critical conservation mission, we invite you to apply.

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI. Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at .