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
Experience
2-5 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
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 States • Contract