Aquatic Ecologist

Marin Municipal Water District; Fairfax (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Marin Municipal Water District seeks an Aquatic Ecologist to monitor salmonid populations, analyze fisheries data, and support habitat restoration projects across Marin County, with a focus on Lagunitas Creek. You will contribute to conservation of aquatic resources and advance environmental stewardship in the region.

The role involves collaboration with agencies, fieldwork in various locations, and producing technical reports to inform restoration and permitting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fishery biology, wildlife or closely related field.
• Two years of field studies, data analysis and reports experience.
• GIS knowledge and map-making skills.
• Willingness to work overtime and alternate schedules.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aquatic surveys and monitor populations; analyze data.
• Maintain fisheries databases and field equipment.
• Support habitat restoration, monitoring and mitigation planning.
• Coordinate with agencies on fisheries and environmental matters.
• Prepare technical reports and provide staff guidance.

Skills

Fisheries biology

Wildlife management

Salmonid biology

Habitat restoration

Education

Bachelor's degree in fishery biology or related field

Tools

GIS

Electronic data collection

Field mapping

Job description

Join Marin Water as an Aquatic Ecologist and help protect and restore the aquatic ecosystems that make Marin County unique. In this rewarding role, you'll monitor salmonid populations, analyze fisheries data, support habitat restoration projects, and contribute to the conservation of vital aquatic resources throughout the region, with a focus on the Lagunitas Creek Watershed. If you're passionate about science, environmental stewardship, and making a lasting impact on local ecosystems, this is an opportunity to put your expertise to work.

Typical duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts aquatic surveys, monitors salmonid populations, and analyzes biological and environmental data.
• Maintains fisheries databases, electronic data collection tools, field maps, and monitoring equipment.
• Assists with fishery and wildlife management, habitat restoration, enhancement projects, and monitoring plans.
• Evaluates potential impacts to aquatic resources and recommends mitigation and habitat enhancement measures.
• Supports environmental compliance activities, including CEQA reviews, permitting, and preparation of technical reports.
• Assists with applied research, grant applications, project plans, and technical specifications.
• Coordinates with federal, state, regional, and local agencies on fisheries conservation and environmental matters.
• Provides guidance to seasonal employees and interns and participates in public outreach, education, and presentations.
• Maintains accurate records and promotes safe working conditions.

Knowledge of:

• Fisheries and wildlife management principles, aquatic ecology, salmonid biology, and habitat restoration.
• Aquatic survey methods, monitoring equipment, and biological data collection and analysis.
• Stream hydrology, geomorphology, and potential impacts of construction on aquatic resources.
• CEQA and applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
• GIS, mapping, technical report writing, and data management applications.

Ability to:

• Independently conduct field studies, analyze biological data, and develop recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, maintain accurate records, and perform quantitative analyses.
• Evaluate project plans and identify potential impacts to fisheries and wildlife.
• Develop and implement fishery and habitat enhancement projects.
• Communicate effectively and establish collaborative working relationships with staff, agencies, and the public.
• Work independently and as part of a team, travel to offsite locations, and work alternative schedules or overtime as needed.

Training and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Completion of a Bachelor's (B.S.) degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university with major course work in fishery biology, wildlife management, zoology or a closely related field; and
• Two years of recent and increasingly responsible experience in conducting field studies, handling salmonids, data analysis, and preparation of technical reports related to fishery and wildlife.
• Willingness to work alternative schedules and overtime as necessitated by changes in operating conditions;
• GIS knowledge and map making skills are required.
• One year of participation in salmonoid restoration is desirable.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and satisfactory driving record;
• First Aid and CPR certificate to be obtained within the first six months of employment.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at [phone] at least two weeks prior to the application deadline or examination date.

Equal Opportunity Employer