Fisheries Technician 1- CWT Recovery Surveys

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Lodi, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill a Fisheries Technician 1 - CWT Recovery Survey position located in Lodi, California in collaboration and under the supervision of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Fisheries and Wildlife Office. The position performs technical fisheries monitoring, biological sampling, and data management and validation activities while supporting compliance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit requirements. This is a seasonal, benefits-eligible position that is expected to begin on October 5th, 2026 lasting for over 6 months and will end in less than a year from start date. Housing is not provided.

Requirements

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.
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.
Basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection skills.
Knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology.
Ability to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results with complex equipment systems.
Carcass and redd surveys experience.
Electronic detection technology experience.
Ability to swim.
Ability to lift 40 - 50 lbs.
Ability to load boats on trailers.
Ability to tow & maneuver trailers.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to operate motorized boats.
Ability to operate non-motorized boats.
Hiking ability.
Ability to operate GPS.
Fish species identification skills.
Ability to operate handheld data recorder.
Ability to compile and collect neat and accurate data.
Specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical).
Oral communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Ability to repair & maintain equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous fisheries field experience involving fish identification, fish handling, biological sampling, fisheries monitoring, or related natural-resource work is recommended.
Experience operating and trailering a variety of boats and participating in fisheries sampling activities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform coded-wire tag (CWT) recovery from Chinook salmon and associated biological sampling activities in the Mokelumne River and at the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery.
Participate in downstream juvenile salmonid monitoring, rotary screw trap efficiency trials, and rearing habitat use studies.
Assist with daily sampling activities, equipment preparation, and field logistics in coordination with EBMUD staff and PSMFC personnel.
Follow established fish-handling, biological sampling, safety, data-collection, and CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit requirements.
Accurately identify fish species and collect, record, and manage biological and environmental field data associated with fisheries monitoring activities.
Collect, label, store, organize, and transport biological samples, including CWT samples and Chinook salmon scales.
Perform routine data entry, data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and data validation activities to ensure fisheries monitoring data are complete, accurate, and consistent.
Assist with the preparation, operation, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of fisheries sampling equipment.
Operate field equipment in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
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.).
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.