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 seasonal, benefits-eligible Fishery Biologist 1 for a Tagging Trailer Operator role based in Red Bluff, California. The anticipated start date is December 14, 2026. The operator runs and maintains an automated fish-marking trailer that removes adipose fins and injects coded-wire tags into juvenile salmon and steelhead. The work requires troubleshooting, mechanical aptitude, close attention to detail, and monitoring multiple systems. 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 position provides 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.

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, with a major in biological science including at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At the upper end of the qualification range, one year of directly related specialized experience or one year of directly related graduate education.
Knowledge of fishery biology, including particular fish species; fish husbandry; aquatic habitats; and the scientific method.
Knowledge of personal computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, publishing, presentation, database, topographic, bibliographic, and statistical analysis software.
Knowledge of technical writing protocols, statistics and mathematics, database management, and programming languages such as SQL.
Electronic 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.
Skills with spreadsheet, word-processing, database, GIS, and statistical software.
Oral and written communication skills.
Construction, fabrication, installation, repair, and equipment-maintenance skills.

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 compliance with equipment-performance and quality-control standards.
Lead or participate in survey crews conducting fishery presence/absence research, fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys, and tag detection and mark recovery surveys.
Make standardized observations of fish, including species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips, and tags.
Lead and perform data entry for recovered tags, biological samples, telemetry and 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, modify software programs, perform data queries, and prepare summary reports.
Lead a crew or assist a hatchery manager with fish husbandry, including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health.
Collect blood and tissue samples; monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality; maintain records and perform routine data analysis.