Operations Specialist 3 - Fisheries and Hydropower
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11980 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $86,700-$134,200/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. T he Earth Systems Science Division , part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Responsibilities Be a part of a large interdisciplinary team that researches the effects of hydropower operations on the passage and survival of juvenile salmon and Pacific lamprey throughout the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other river systems across the Pacific Northwest. These studies involve assisting with the deploying, retrieving, maintaining, and testing of acoustic and radio telemetry equipment; supporting tagging activities or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish; and helping with the transport and release of live tagged fish according to detailed project schedules. This position will be heavily focused on boat operations, including frequently operating boats to deploy and maintain telemetry equipment under guidance, supporting field deployments, and helping manage associated logistics and field equipment. Boat operations may include operating 18- to 26-foot single-prop and dual-prop outboard boats, as well as jet boats, on large river systems throughout the Pacific Northwest with potentially strong currents and variable weather conditions. Seasonal fieldwork may require frequent travel within the region. The role supports the integration of operational capabilities, requirements, and solutions across research and support organizations to enable effective and efficient project execution in support of the Lab’s mission. The position maintains awareness of operational needs, ongoing field activities, and emerging requirements, and contributes recommendations for operational improvements that support and strengthen the Lab’s safety culture—particularly related to boat operations and other assigned areas—while assisting management during changing field conditions or schedule demands to help implement adjustments necessary to keep project boating activities safe and efficient. The position also supports coordination, scheduling, and logistics for research staff, crafts personnel, and visiting researchers working in spaces, and helps maintain the utilization of equipment, systems, and capabilities within those spaces. Duties are performed in coordination with DOE and applicable regulatory agency requirements, with moderate guidance as needed. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: 1–2 years of proficient and demonstrated boat‑operation experience Excellent organizational skills Familiarity with acoustic and radio telemetry study design and basic array maintenance Experience operating boats on rivers or large water bodies (3+ yrs experience) Basic knowledge of boat maintenance Experience supporting field crews in outdoor or aquatic research environments Ability to compile and manage data sets Knowledge of fish species inhabiting the Pacific Northwest Willingness to work extra hours when necessary to achieve project goals Experience supporting boat based fieldwork and equipment deployment Desirable characteristics include attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, possession of a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Long hours for field work, inclement weather, industrial hydroelectric projects, work on water, heavy lifting Additional Information This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: 1–2 years of proficient and demonstrated boat‑operation experience Excellent organizational skills Familiarity with acoustic and radio telemetry study design and basic array maintenance Experience operating boats on rivers or large water bodies (3+ yrs experience) Basic knowledge of boat maintenance Experience supporting field crews in outdoor or aquatic research environments Ability to compile and manage data sets Knowledge of fish species inhabiting the Pacific Northwest Willingness to work extra hours when necessary to achieve project goals Experience supporting boat based fieldwork and equipment deployment Desirable characteristics include attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, possession of a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $86,700.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $134,200.00/Yr.