Job Summary 

The Fisheries Project Lead provides technical leadership for aquatic resource management, supporting fisheries, habitat restoration, and watershed projects for a federal agency. This role leads planning, analysis, monitoring, and implementation efforts to ensure sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems and compliance with environmental regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Job Classification: Full time

Duty Station:  Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)

Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)

Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.

Duties/Responsibilities 

Lead development and implementation of fisheries and aquatic habitat management plans

Provide technical recommendations for fish habitat, watershed protection, and restoration efforts

Design and oversee fish habitat and population monitoring programs

Conduct and analyze surveys, studies, and environmental data related to aquatic resources

Coordinate with Forest Service staff, contractors, and partners on project implementation and monitoring

Prepare and review NEPA and ESA documentation, including Environmental Assessments and Biological Evaluations

Evaluate impacts of management activities on fisheries and aquatic ecosystems

Participate in or lead interdisciplinary teams for environmental planning and project development

Develop and implement restoration and habitat improvement strategies

Monitor fisheries program activities and assess effectiveness of management actions

Prepare technical reports, data summaries, and recommendations

Support development of Forest Plan inputs related to fisheries and aquatic resources

Identify issues and recommend mitigation or corrective actions

Support stakeholder coordination and partnership efforts

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities 

Required: Strong knowledge of fisheries biology, aquatic ecosystems, and habitat management

Required: Experience preparing NEPA and ESA documentation and conducting environmental analysis

Required: Ability to lead projects, coordinate teams, and manage multiple priorities

Required: Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills

Preferred: Experience leading fisheries or aquatic restoration projects

Preferred: Familiarity with Southern Appalachian aquatic species and ecosystems

Preferred: Experience working with federal land management agencies (USFS preferred)

Preferred: Experience with GIS tools and aquatic data analysis

Education and Experience 

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Management, Aquatic Biology, or related field

Required: Minimum 6 years of experience as a fisheries biologist or related role

Required: Experience in fisheries surveys, habitat analysis, and environmental compliance

Preferred: Master’s degree in related field

Preferred: Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems

Physical Requirements 

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.

Lifting requirements – include ONLY if the position requires it and only as much weight as the job duties would foreseeably require.

Benefits 

Eligible employees receive the following benefits: 

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

MDLIVE

Benefit Hub

Paid Annual Leave/PTO

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k)

Basic Life

Voluntary Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pre-employment Requirements 

Due to the nature of Chloeta’s services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee’s written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.

EEO Statement 

Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

About Chloeta 

Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements. 

Fisheries Project Lead

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