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PSPacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Pacific States Marine Fisheries CommissionFisheries Management

Fishery Biologist 1

American River Escapement Survey Crew Leader

Location

Rancho Cordova, California, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Contract

Experience

3-5 years

Compensation

$21 - $34 per hour

Posted

6h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This full-time temporary Fisheries Biologist position involves leading a field crew conducting salmon escapement surveys on the lower American River. Responsibilities include daily crew operations, strenuous field work, data collection and analysis, and report writing. The role requires strong leadership, scientific knowledge, and physical endurance.

Fisheries Biologist (Temporary)

Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Duration: Temporary, up to 6 months
Anticipated Start Date: September 28, 2026

Position Summary

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is seeking a temporary Fisheries Biologist to lead salmon escapement (carcass) surveys on the lower American River in Sacramento, California. This field-intensive position leads a crew of fisheries technicians, oversees survey operations, manages biological data, and supports fisheries research and reporting. Work is primarily Monday–Friday, with variable hours, early mornings, and long field days.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations

  • Lead daily salmon carcass survey operations on the lower American River.

  • Supervise and train a field crew of 6–10 fisheries technicians.

  • Plan daily survey logistics and ensure compliance with safety and data collection protocols.

  • Conduct shore-, kayak-, and boat-based surveys by walking riverbanks and navigating waterways.

  • Collect biological samples including scales, tissue, and salmon heads using field tools.

  • Operate and trailer boats, maintain field equipment, and manage biological samples.

Data Management & Reporting

  • Perform data entry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and database management.

  • Analyze end-of-season survey data and prepare annual reports.

  • Prepare weekly data summaries for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

  • Assist with routine biological analyses and contribute to technical reports and research documentation.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field with coursework in aquatic and animal sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Previous fisheries or biological fieldwork experience.

  • Experience leading or supervising field crews.

  • Ability to identify adult Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

  • Experience operating kayaks and trailering/operating boats.

  • Valid driver's license and ability to swim.

  • Strong computer, database, and technical writing skills.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to walk 3–5 miles daily over uneven, slippery terrain and through rivers.

  • Ability to repeatedly lift up to 40 pounds.

  • Comfortable performing strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions.

  • Willingness to handle decomposing fish carcasses throughout the workday.

Work Environment

Work is performed in office settings, laboratories, and outdoor field locations. Field conditions include rivers, boats, rough terrain, inclement weather, fast-moving water, insects, poison oak, and cold-water environments. Employees may work on elevated platforms or in remote locations and must be able to safely perform physically demanding fieldwork.

Benefits

Temporary employees receive paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays annually, jury duty leave, and bereavement leave.

Updated 6h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Fishery Biology • 1+ yrs
Data Analysis • 1+ yrs
Database Management • 1+ yrs
Scientific Method • 1+ yrs
Leadership • 1+ yrs
Technical Writing • 1+ yrs
Boat Operation • 1+ yrs
QA/QC • 1+ yrs

Experience

3-5 years

Certifications

Valid Driver's License • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Government & Public Sector
Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Contract

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$21 - $34 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationRancho Cordova, California, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh9/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Team size

Growing team

Location

Rancho Cordova, California, United States

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates for a temporary Fisheries Biologist position to lead salmon escapement surveys on the lower American River.

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Fishery Biologist 1

Rancho Cordova, California, United StatesContract