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
Experience
3-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Contract
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$21 - $34 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
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.
Popular Domains
Explore opportunities across specialized functional areas.
Trending Industries
Discover roles in the world's most innovative sectors.
Fishery Biologist 1
Rancho Cordova, California, United States • Contract