Fishery Biologist 2- Chinook Monitoring Plan

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•La Grange, CA

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting a Fishery Biologist 2 in La Grange, California. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of January 11, 2027. In the first year, the biologist will lead development of a comprehensive Spring-run Chinook Salmon life-cycle monitoring plan integrating field methods, analytical approaches, and adaptive management strategies to support basin-wide conservation goals. In the second year, the biologist will oversee technicians implementing the plan and ensure high-quality data collection and consistent field operations across diverse habitats. The position covers professional fishery biology work ranging from recurring assignments of moderate difficulty to complex work requiring specialized knowledge and advanced techniques. Depending on the assignment and level, the biologist may evaluate fish populations and fisheries data, develop management plans, conduct research, assess habitat and fish health, and report findings. The role combines outdoor fieldwork with scientific analysis and environmental stewardship.

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.
For the lower end of the qualification range, in addition to the undergraduate degree: 1 year of specialized experience, or 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master's degree in a directly related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
For the upper end of the qualification range, in addition to the undergraduate course of study: 1 year of specialized experience, or 3 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a directly related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Specialized experience must provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the position and be equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression.
Knowledge of microbiology and fish husbandry.
Ability to operate traps or weirs and nets, including seine and gill nets.
Ability to swim, lift 40–50 pounds, hike, and operate GPS equipment.
CPR/First Aid qualification and a valid driver's license.
Ability to search and review scientific literature and identify fish species using fish keys.
Oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with drone operation, or ability to learn to operate a drone.

Responsibilities

Lead development of a comprehensive Spring-run Chinook Salmon life-cycle monitoring plan, integrating field methods, analytical approaches, and adaptive management strategies.
Oversee a team of technicians implementing the monitoring plan and ensure high-quality data collection and consistent field operations across diverse habitats.
Develop age-composition structures, stock assessments, escapement totals, harvest levels, run-reconstruction frameworks, and/or run forecasts for designated fish species and stocks.
Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to meet data requirements.
Write memoranda and reports to transfer information to appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.
Plan, design, schedule, and conduct fish catch and effort surveys for marine fisheries; apply and adapt creel survey protocols as appropriate.
Work with state, federal, and regional fishery management councils to provide fisheries catch-and-effort, population-trend, and fish-biology data.
Work with stock assessment biologists on fisheries-specific data used in stock assessments.
Assist with database presentations of collected data and prepare reports and presentations as requested.
Provide expertise in improving creel-survey design.
Use biological information to evaluate run profiles and habitat suitability in stocked streams.
Develop comprehensive management plans to preserve, protect, and enhance habitats.
Plan, design, and implement fish health and/or nutrition research studies; analyze and report biological or genetic information relevant to selection, rearing, and spawning.
Prepare quarterly progress and annual reports on run status and hatchery or fish-facility operations.
Monitor and evaluate fish hatching, rearing, planting, and adult return rates; develop new rearing strategies.
Prepare fish habitat measurement or management plans for a watershed or large geographic area.
Diagnose fish diseases or nutritional disorders and develop modifications to health or experimental protocols.