Fishery Biologist 1- Tagging Trailer Operator

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Red Bluff, CA

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting a Fishery Biologist 1 to operate and maintain an automated fish-marking trailer that removes adipose fins and injects coded-wire tags (CWTs) into juvenile salmon and steelhead. This seasonal, benefits-eligible position is based in Red Bluff, California, with an anticipated start date of December 14, 2026. The operator monitors equipment, troubleshoots and adjusts complex systems, and maintains components within the AutoFish trailer. The operator leads an assigned shift and typically supervises one or two technicians, ensuring efficient and accurate fish processing and adherence to equipment-performance and quality-control standards. The work offers hands-on experience with threatened and endangered salmonids at nine anadromous fish hatcheries throughout Northern California, in collaboration with personnel from multiple agencies. No housing is provided. Full-time, year-round employment may be available for individuals who demonstrate the ability to learn, troubleshoot, and operate the systems successfully. Essential functions include leading or participating in fishery research and survey crews; collecting standardized biological observations and samples; entering, checking, organizing, analyzing, and reporting data; maintaining databases and performing data queries; and maintaining fish, facilities, equipment, and water quality. Work may take place in offices, fish-processing labs, fish-holding areas, hatcheries, and field locations.

Requirements

Successful completion of a full four-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, including a major in biological science, at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects, and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences; an equivalent combination of experience and education also qualifies.
At the upper end of the stated qualification range, one year of directly related specialized experience or one year of directly related graduate education is required. Specialized experience must equip the applicant to perform the duties and be equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression.
Knowledge of fishery biology, including particular fish species; fish husbandry; aquatic habitats; and the scientific method.
Knowledge of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing, presentation, database, topographic, bibliographic, and statistical-analysis software.
Knowledge of technical-writing protocols, statistics, mathematics, and database management.
Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL.
Electrical detection technology skills.
Ability to lift 40–50 pounds.
Valid driver's license and ability to tow and maneuver trailers.
Fish-species identification skills.
Ability to compile and collect neat, accurate data.
Specific software skills in spreadsheets, word processing, databases, GIS, and statistical applications.
Oral and written communication skills.
Construction, fabrication, installation, equipment-repair, and maintenance skills.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, standing for long periods, handling buckets or gear weighing up to 50 pounds, camping for extended periods, and maintaining footing in fast-moving water.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain an automated fish-marking trailer that removes adipose fins and injects coded-wire tags into juvenile salmon and steelhead.
Monitor equipment performance, diagnose problems, make adjustments, and maintain AutoFish trailer components.
Lead an assigned shift and typically supervise one or two technicians, ensuring efficient and accurate fish processing and quality control.
Lead or participate in survey crews conducting fishery presence/absence research, recreational or commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys, and tag-detection or mark-recovery surveys.
Make standardized observations, including species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and signs of parasites, disease, pathogens, fin clips, or tags.
Lead and perform data entry for recovered tags, biological samples, telemetry, oceanographic data, fish tickets, landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, and onboard observers.
Error-check data; maintain and update databases; analyze and organize data for transfer in tables, spreadsheets, memoranda, or reports.
Modify software programs, perform data queries, and prepare summary reports to transfer data.
Lead a crew or assist a hatchery manager with fish feeding, tank cleaning, feeding schedules, growth assessment, and fish-health monitoring.
Collect blood and tissue samples.
Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality.
Maintain records and perform routine data analysis.
Tow and maneuver trailers and lift 40–50 pounds as listed among the additional mandatory skills.