Field Biologist

Cramer Fish Sciences • West Sacramento, CA

5d • $30 - $36

About The Position

Exciting opportunity for a Field Biologist to join Cramer Fish Sciences in West Sacramento, CA! This full-time role supports applied fisheries and environmental research that advances field methodologies, experimental approaches and monitoring systems. This Biologist will play a key role in providing direct support in designing, implementing and refining research studies that drive both internal innovation and client-facing work.
Working closely with multidisciplinary teams of biologists, engineers and fabrication staff, this position contributes to hands-on field research, fabrication work, equipment maintenance, high-quality data collection and management, and ongoing method development across diverse aquatic and riparian environments. Under the guidance of senior scientific staff, the Biologist will lead technicians during field efforts and provide technical input.
If you enjoy applied, field-based science, value collaboration and are excited by the opportunity to help shape how fisheries research is conducted, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science or a closely related field with minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or Master's degree in a related field with minimum of 1 year of relevant experience
• Working knowledge of the scientific method and its application to applied fisheries and environmental field research
• Strong field skills in collecting, recording, and managing high-quality biological, physical and environmental data in aquatic and riparian environments
• Ability to implement research protocols accurately and adapt methods under variable field conditions while maintaining data quality and safety standards
• General knowledge of vehicle/boat control, starting, charging, and lighting systems and circuits
• Ability to operate a variety motorized and non-motorized watercraft in a variety of conditions
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to cultivate a cohesive, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture
• Ability to analyze and interpret field observations and data with guidance from senior scientific staff and contribute to technical documentation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and to travel for multi-day field efforts as required
• Proficient with MS Office Suite
• Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
• Must be comfortable working in the aquatic environment including working from a boat platform, swimming and wading in rivers, streams, and lakes
• Must be able to work effectively and drive safely in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rain, fog, and smoky conditions
• Must be able to lift and carry 75 pounds
• Possible long periods of computerized data analysis in an office environment
• Flexible hours (including weekends and evenings) based on project need and ability to travel to remote areas for 3-5 days at a time

Responsibilities

• Support applied fisheries and environmental research studies in aquatic and riparian environments under the guidance of senior scientific staff
• Collect high-quality biological, physical, and environmental data using established field methods and protocols
• Conduct fisheries field techniques including fish trapping, tagging, snorkeling surveys, habitat assessments and invertebrate sampling
• Lead, train, and assist field crews on multiple projects and guide technicians to help support project work and data collection.
• Operate, clean, troubleshoot and maintain prop boats, jet boats, and non-motorized watercraft to perform fisheries research
• Assist with method development and refinement of monitoring protocols in collaboration with senior scientific staff
• Support the testing, evaluation and maintenance of specialized field equipment and instrumentation
• Perform data entry, organization, cleaning, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and basic data analysis
• Maintain spatial datasets and assist with data visualization, mapping and figure development
• Consult with project leads to develop new modifications to existing equipment and support the design and fabrication of new gear and sampling equipment.
• Operate hand and power tools to perform maintenance on a variety of equipment
• Contribute to literature reviews, permitting support and drafting technical sections of reports and deliverables
• Assist with field logistics including equipment preparation, scheduling coordination and site access
• Collaborate with engineers on topographic and bathymetric surveys
• Manage project logistics, including scheduling field efforts, internal communication and delegating work among the field team
• Maintain a safe work environment, adhering to company's safety policies and procedures, and ensuring all people on the jobsite follow the same.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for our base employee-only plan and 80% employer-paid coverage for dependents (with additional plans options available)
• FSA or HSA through medical plan options
• Company Provided basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) access
• Gym/Wellness Reimbursement benefit
• Company 401(k)-retirement plan with company match and full vesting after one year of service, including access to personalized financial advising
• ESOP: CFS is a 100% employee-owned company. Our employee stock option plan (ESOP) is a qualified defined contribution plan. Our target ESOP contribution is 5%. Eligibility is after one year of service with an entry date of Jan 1 or July 1.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level