Job Description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to assist with monitoring lower Yuba River fish communities. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, assisting biologists in conducting adult salmonid spawning and redd monitoring surveys, escapement surveys that include otolith extraction and other genetic sampling, temperature monitoring and maintenance of in-stream equipment, predation sampling using hook and line techniques, and Vaki Riverwatcher maintenance.

Eligible candidates will have a working knowledge of the scientific process and an understanding of the importance of following set protocols and procedures. Field work is required most days and will encompass a combination of hiking, kayaking, hook and line angling, underwater camera deployment, snorkeling, and motorized vessel travel to collect field data. Candidates must be able to hike or kayak up to 10 miles a day in remote areas, over rough terrain, and in adverse weather. They must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, perform strenuous field work, orient themselves using digital maps, operate 4wd vehicles and ATVs, and follow strict field and safety protocols. Since there are multiple agencies, technicians, biologists and hydrologists involved with the project and office space, candidates must have very good interpersonal skills and an overall positive attitude. Team-players are preferred.

This is a temporary position with a projected start date in September 2026 through March 2027. In general, crews work 4 days/week and 10 hours/day, but additional holiday and weekend work could be required.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Operate and maintain various motorized water craft and 4WD trucks.
• Accurately collect biological and environmental data using established protocols.
• Collect and process fish carcasses for mark/recapture efforts using gaffs and machetes.
• Make standardized observations including but not limited to species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition.
• Effectively identify and enumerate salmonid redds and features such as pot depression, tail spill, and gravel composition while using GPS devices.
• Accurately input biological and environmental data on field forms, and/or computer databases.
• Assist with daily QA/QC of collected and entered data.
• Maintain and clean field equipment, Vaki Riverwatchers, and boats.
• Adhere to and enforce all safety protocols including CDC guidelines for COVID-19.
• Assist with other project tasks as assigned.
• Candidates must be willing to work in inclement weather, wading/swimming in swift water, hiking rough terrain, and work weekends and holidays if needed.
• Candidates must be flexible to assist other agency projects on an as needed basis.

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, for example, dewatering equipment, pumps, flumes, gates, tanks, screens, filters, gatewells, and/or tag interrogation equipment. Monitor and maintain water quality levels. 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:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to swim 50 yards and tread water for 10 minutes
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Knowledge of computer applications and software (Excel, Access, Word, Outlook)
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
• Ability to identify adult and juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead trout
• Must be comfortable working from, operation, and trailering motorized watercraft
• Must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Ability to use handheld data recorder
• Ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions
• Repair & maintain equipment

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. Camping out for extended periods 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. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

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