Fishery Biologist 1- Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a temporary Fisheries Biologist 1 position for the Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Program (CVSMP) based in West Sacramento, CA.

 

This position is anticipated to start July 6,2026 and continue through December 4, 2026. Under the direction of the Lead Biologist, the Fisheries Biologist 1 will assist with daily field data collection, office/lab activities, and act as a field lead as needed. This position will obtain scientific information to examine the distribution, abundance, and population trends of Central Valley (CV) steelhead in the Sacramento River watershed using large wire fyke traps on the mainstem Sacramento River. The position requires working on 25ft long motorized watercraft. Motorboat operator and safety training will be provided. 

Duties and responsibilities include:
· Operate and maintain large wire fyke traps
· Assist with PIT tagging, acoustic tagging, and collection of biological samples from adult steelhead trout
· Assist the Lead Biologist with training of staff in field and boat operations
· Act as a field lead when needed
· Assist with QA/QC of all data, database management, and data analysis
· Maintain project equipment such as fyke traps, winches, and tools
· Assist with installation, operation, and maintenance of PIT tag arrays, acoustic receivers, and temperature loggers
· Maintain vehicles and vessels
· Mount and digitize O. mykiss scale samples
· Candidate must be willing and able to work long hours in a field setting (working on motorized watercraft, on rough/uneven terrain, and in adverse weather conditions). A flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends is mandatory.

 

Essential Functions: 

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
• Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.
• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
• Assist in design, development, and installation of components of naturalistic environments. Assist with analysis of the behavior of different species in simulated environments. Videotape, photograph, and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success, and anti-predator behavior.
• Establish and direct sport, commercial, hatchery, and natural spawn sampling and bio-sampling protocols to best meet data requirements.

Position Requirements:
· Knowledge of scientific methodology
· Knowledge of salmonid biology and life history
· Experience working with salmonids
· Good oral and written communication skills
· Analytical and data analysis skills
· Knowledge of computer applications and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
· Experience with scientific writing
· Must be comfortable working from and operating motorized watercraft
· Must be able to swim 50 yards and tread water for 10 minutes
· CPR/First Aid certifi