Associate Scientist

Kleinschmidt has a full-time opening for an Associate Scientist to support project teams and perform field tasks in Portland, Oregon. Our flexibility and core value of relationships allow us to offer employees the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment including working from the office and remotely. This position requires 4-5 days in-office.

Salary: $25.00-$28.00/hour (based on experience)

Who You Are

A self-motivated, detail-oriented professional with a BS in Fisheries Science, Biology or Ecology, and 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Relationship Focused: Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly and professionally. Ability to function and show flexibility on project teams to complete and prioritize a diverse range of tasks.

Knowledgeable: Familiar with Pacific Northwest fish species, their habitats and life histories; experienced and capable of working in and around large rivers and in remote settings; comfortable handling and working from boats; willingness to travel for fieldwork; knowledge of MS Office suite, analytical methods, and quality assurance/control procedures; demonstrated competence in scientific writing. Ability to selectively apply AI to work products.

Organized: Ability to manage time to meet deadlines. Attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to complete multiple project assignments simultaneously and apply scientific research techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling using established fisheries and aquatic survey methods, including electrofishing, netting, habitat measurements, and water quality assessments.
• Compile, manage, and analyze biological and environmental datasets using accepted scientific standards.
• Prepare written materials including literature reviews, data summaries, project updates, and scientific documentation for internal and external audiences.
• Maintain accurate field notes, ensure data integrity, and follow protocols for safety and quality assurance.
• Contribute to additional research, projects, or administrative tasks as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

About the Position

This position provides an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic applicant looking to use their experience and technical knowledge to collaborate with our team of scientists, engineers, and regulatory professionals on a range of studies focused on fish behavior, populations and habitats, water quality, wetlands, and wildlife.

Discover Your Future at Kleinschmidt

At Kleinschmidt, we combine engineering expertise, regulatory know-how, and scientific skills to tackle the most challenging projects in renewable energy, water resources, and the natural environment. With over 50 years of experience, we stand out as one of North America's premier employee-owned consulting firms specializing in hydropower.

Our team thrives on passion and engagement, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. At Kleinschmidt, you'll find a vibrant community of professionals eager to share knowledge and help you achieve your career goals. We place technical excellence at the core of what we do, fostering an environment that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development. Join us and turn your potential into impactful solutions that define the future of our planet.

Our Process

Kleinschmidt strives to provide a great candidate experience. After careful review of resumes, we will notify those we are interested in interviewing. We may ask for more details with an initial screening. Our process normally involves two interviews. The top candidate will then be asked to provide 2-3 references and offered a benefits call, a unique step in our process where we describe our full benefits package. The final step is an offer sent via email.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus Program
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision package
• 401(k) with 4% employer match and 100% immediate vesting
• 10 Paid Floating Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Ownership

Kleinschmidt is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. It is our company policy and culture to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, disability status, national origin, veteran status, and all other dimensions of diversity.