Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking qualified candidates to fill the role of five temporary Fisheries Technician 1 positions supporting salmon and steelhead monitoring efforts, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Redwood Timber Company. Positions are based in Fort Bragg, California, with fieldwork conducted throughout coastal Mendocino County. Positions will begin in either mid-November or early December 2026 and continue through mid-May or early June 2027. Work schedules will depend on weather conditions, river conditions, and salmonid run timing. Candidates should expect that weekend and holiday work will be required as needed and that schedules may change in response to field conditions.
Fisheries technicians will work as part of a field crew to collect accurate, high-quality biological data and support long-term salmon and steelhead monitoring projects. Field responsibilities will include conducting spawning ground surveys, operating adult salmonid weirs and rotary screw traps for juvenile outmigrants, Floy/PIT tagging salmonids, maintaining PIT tag arrays, and collecting biological data using established protocols.
This work is field-intensive and takes place in remote, rugged environments. Technicians should be prepared for long days in the field, including wading or kayaking rivers for distances of up to 10 miles per day, navigating steep and uneven terrain, climbing over log jams, operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs, and lifting equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. This position requires technicians to work safely in changing weather, river, and environmental conditions.
Successful candidates should be physically prepared for rigorous fieldwork and comfortable spending long periods in remote environments. Candidates should be dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to maintaining high standards of data quality. The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a field crew is essential. Because this project involves coordination among multiple agencies, biologists, technicians, and private landowners, strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.
We are looking for individuals who have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in field-based fisheries work. Previous experience in fisheries or other environmental field-based work is preferred, but we are also interested in candidates who are motivated to learn and develop hands-on fisheries experience.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in the field and wants to contribute to long-term salmon and steelhead monitoring and conservation efforts along the Mendocino County coast.
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.
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.
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.
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
CDFW Fort Bragg (Harbor Drive)
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.
$15.59-$25.46/hr
Established in 1947 by consent of Congress, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is an interstate compact agency that helps resource agencies and the fishing industry sustainably manage our valuable Pacific Ocean resources in a five-state region. Member states include California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. Each represented by three Commissioners.
Mission
As stated by the governing compact, PSMFC's purpose shall be “to promote the better utilization of fisheries – marine, shell, and anadromous, which are of mutual concern, and to develop a joint program of protection and prevention of physical waste of such fisheries in all of those areas of the Pacific Ocean over which the compacting states jointly or separately now have or may hereafter acquire jurisdiction.”
PSMFC's primary goal is to promote and support policies and actions to conserve, develop, and manage our fishery resources in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. We accomplish this through coordinating research activities, monitoring fishing activities, and facilitating a wide variety of projects. We work to collect data and maintain databases on salmon, steelhead, and other marine fish for fishery managers and the fishing industry.
