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PSPacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Pacific States Marine Fisheries CommissionFisheries Management

Fishery Biologist 1- American River Escapement

Location

Rancho Cordova, California, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Contract

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

$21 - $34 per hour

Posted

5h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This full-time temporary Fishery Biologist position involves leading salmon escapement surveys on the lower American River, including strenuous field work, data collection, and analysis. The role requires supervising a crew, performing QA/QC, and contributing to annual reports for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Fisheries Biologist (Temporary)

Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Project Length: Up to 6 months
Start Date: Anticipated September 28, 2026
Salary: $21.71–$34.96/hour

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. Working under the on-site Project Supervisor, this position leads a field crew, oversees survey operations, manages biological data, and supports fisheries research. The schedule is primarily Monday–Friday with variable hours, early mornings, and long field days.

Key Responsibilities

Field Leadership

  • Lead daily salmon carcass surveys and supervise a crew of 6–10 fisheries technicians.

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

  • Conduct shore-, kayak-, and boat-based surveys, covering 2–5 miles daily.

  • Collect biological data including species identification, sex, length, reproductive condition, tissue, scales, and salmon heads.

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

Data & Reporting

  • Perform data entry, QA/QC, database management, and routine biological analyses.

  • Prepare weekly summaries for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

  • Conduct end-of-season data analysis and prepare annual technical reports.

  • Support fisheries research and contribute to scientific documentation.

Qualifications

Required

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

  • Previous biological or fisheries field 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 pass a driving records check.

  • Ability to swim and operate standard computer software.

Physical Requirements

  • Walk 3–5 miles daily over uneven, slippery terrain and through rivers.

  • Repeatedly lift up to 40 pounds.

  • Perform strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions.

  • Safely use field tools, including knives, and handle decomposing fish carcasses.

  • Work effectively in physically demanding and fast-paced environments.

Work Environment

Work is performed in office, laboratory, and outdoor field settings. Field conditions include rivers, boats, rough terrain, inclement weather, fast-moving water, cold temperatures, insects, poison oak, and elevated walkways.

Position Details

  • Employment Type: Temporary (up to 6 months)

  • Travel: None

  • Benefits: Paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, jury duty leave, and bereavement leave.

  • Application Deadline: August 21, 2026

Updated 5h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Fishery Biology • 1+ yrs
Data Analysis • 1+ yrs
Database Management • 1+ yrs
Technical Writing • 1+ yrs
Leadership • 1+ yrs
Field Work • 1+ yrs
Boat Operation • 1+ yrs
Scientific Method • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 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
cognitiveHigh8/10
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

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting for a temporary full-time Fishery Biologist to lead salmon escapement surveys on the lower American River. The role involves strenuous field work, data analysis, and report writing, supervising a crew of 6-10 technicians.

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Fishery Biologist 1- American River Escapement

Rancho Cordova, California, United StatesContract