Fisheries Biologist - American River Escapement Survey Crew Leader

Sowela; Rancho Cordova (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick time

Paid holidays

Bereavement leave

Jury duty leave

Job summary

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission in Rancho Cordova, CA seeks a Fisheries Biologist for a full-time, temporary assignment starting November 2, 2026. The role involves leading a field crew on the lower American River, performing carcass surveys, data entry, QA/QC, and annual report writing.

Candidates must have a bachelor's in biological science, field experience, ability to lift 40 lbs, operate a jet boat and kayak, and a valid driver's license; position requires long field days and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological science with aquatic/animal sciences coursework.
• 6+ semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12+ semester hours in animal sciences.
• Experience in field work and leadership roles.
• Ability to operate jet boat and kayak.
• Ability to walk 3–5 miles daily in inclement conditions; lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews conducting salmon surveys and carcass surveys on the lower American River.
• Perform data entry, QA/QC, and end-of-season data analysis.
• Assist in planning daily survey logistics and weekly data summaries.
• Operate and trailer boats; maintain equipment and samples; contribute to reports.

Skills

Field work

Leadership

Endurance

Data collection

English language

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science

Job description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a full-time, temporary Fisheries Biologist position with an anticipated start date of November 2nd, 2026. The project length is expected to be 6 months or less. Work is performed Monday-Friday, but daily hours will vary and will require a willingness to work long field days with early start times. The position is based out of Rancho Cordova, CA.

Duties:
Under the supervision of the on-site project supervisor, the successful candidate acts as the lead person for the field crew conducting salmon escapement surveys (carcass surveys) on the lower American River in Sacramento, California. Primary responsibilities include leading daily crew operations on the river, data entry using desktop computers, QA/QC of data, performing end of season data analysis, and annual report writing.

The incumbent with lead a crew of 6-10 fisheries technicians conducting shore and boat-based carcass surveys. The job requires daily, strenuous field work (walking and wading in uneven terrain, kayaking and navigation of swift water, lifting up to 40 lbs repeatedly throughout the day, etc) in inclement weather conditions. Survey techniques involve searching for salmon carcasses while walking the riverbanks, paddling kayaks, and/or surveying from boat (2-5 miles each day). Decayed salmon are collected with a gaff and brought to shore for processing and data collection, which includes species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition. The incumbent will collect fish scales, tissue samples, and salmon heads through the use of sharp knives, in addition to chopping salmon carcasses in half using a machete. Hundreds of carcasses can be processed each day.

Additional responsibilities include planning daily survey logistics, preparing weekly data summaries for California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) management staff, operating and trailering boats, maintaining equipment, managing biological samples, adhering to safety and data collection protocols, database management, and other office related or lab tasks.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, and telemetry devices. Error check the data and update database.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including ability to identify adult steelhead trout and Chinook salmon).
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of database management.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in a biological science
• Previous field work experience
• Experience leading or supervising work groups
• Ability to operate and trailer a jet boat and kayak
• Ability to walk 3-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven, slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble
• Ability to swim
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day, every work day
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Ability to identify adult steelhead trout and Chinook salmon
• Must be willing to handle rotten fish carcasses all day
• Ability to record neat and accurate field data
• Ability to operate a computer and various PC-based software programs
• Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level required for successful job performance
• Follow oral and written directions
• Ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous. In the latter case, the employee must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds. Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required. Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. Work requires ability to walk 3-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven, slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble.

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks or docks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented. Candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

Location

CDFW Rancho Cordova

Project Length

6 months or less

Position Type

Temporary

Travel Requirements

None

Benefits

Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, paid time for jury duty and bereavement leave.

Driving

State Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.

Salary Target

$21.71-34.96/ hour

Closing Date

Sep 30, 2026