Fisheries Technician 1- Ten Mile River Surveys

Position/Project Specifics:

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a motivated field technician to assist The Nature Conservancy with winter spawning ground surveys for salmon and steelhead, as well as maintenance of PIT tag detection arrays throughout the Ten Mile River watershed. This role also involves collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to support spawning ground surveys and operate spring outmigrant traps for juvenile salmonids.

Primary responsibilities include: conducting spawning ground surveys, collecting biological samples from live and deceased salmonids, operating rotary screw traps, PIT tagging juvenile salmonids, maintaining multiple PIT tag detection arrays, and accurately collecting data following strict protocols.

The ideal candidate will be reliable, motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about fish biology, with the ability to identify and handle salmonids at all life stages. Candidates must be physically capable of hiking or kayaking up to 10 miles daily in remote, rugged terrain and adverse weather, lifting up to 60 lbs, performing strenuous fieldwork, navigating with digital maps, and operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs. Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are essential for collaboration with multiple agencies, technicians, and biologists.

The position runs from mid-December 2025 through mid-May 2026. The typical schedule is four 10-hour days per week, with additional holiday and weekend work as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional 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.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Make regular facility inspections, including tag interrogation equipment. Record findings and adjustments made. Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies.
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required By The Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks. 

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc.   If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results. 

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• trap/ weir
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim                           
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• hiking                                                 
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills               
• operate handheld data recorder         
• compile and collect neat and accurate data   
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent 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.  Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. 

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Incumbents 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, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.

Qualifications Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

• General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.
• Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.