Field Biologist (On-Call)

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive. From environmental planning, permitting, remediation, and site characterization to chemical data management and hydrogeology, Kleinfelder offers a variety of services designed to provide technically appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

About the role

Kleinfelder is seeking field biologists to support public and private sector projects near Ukiah, California. The individual(s) will assist on an as-needed basis for field survey, monitoring, and technical reports. Candidates should be located in or around Mendocino County, California. Work will largely take place in remote field areas but will report to the nearest office as needed.

The primary responsibility will be assisting Kleinfelder biologists with PG&E’s Potter Valley Project Cape Horn Dam Fish Ladder and Anadromous Fish Passage Monitoring Program, as well as operations at Van Arsdale Fisheries Station (VAFS) on the Eel River.

Responsibilities

• Perform seasonal surveys for protected species, compliance monitoring for work crews, and written logs and reports of compliance activities.
• Perform routine operation and maintenance of fish passage facilities in response to storm events and fish migration, including pre- and post-storm preparations, debris removal, and predator/nuisance abatement.
• Assist with daily tasks at the fish ladder to maximize fish passage efficiency and evaluate facility infrastructure to optimize fish migration.
• Maintain a video monitoring system at the passage facility, including daily inspections of cameras and equipment during migration seasons. Download and review recorded video imagery for species assemblage, sex identification, and length measurements.
• Assist with trapping adult anadromous fish during daylight hours based on NMFS and CDFW guidance. Service traps daily, remove debris and hazards, and collect data including species, sex, length, condition, PIT tagging, and tissue sampling for genetic information.
• During downstream migrant season, assist with operations and maintenance of fish passage infrastructure to mitigate migration barriers, including pre- and post-storm maintenance, flow configuration adjustments, and debris/algae removal.
• Implement fyke traps to capture downstream migrants for processing, service traps daily, and collect data including species identification, length measurements, marking fish (PIT/dye), and additional information for adult steelhead such as genetic sampling, life-history stage, and sex identification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, biology, or a related field. May consider training desirable candidates with a lesser degree.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; 1+ years is highly preferred.
• Strong interest in or prior experience in natural resource consulting or restoration is desirable.
• Comfortable working in physically challenging outdoor environments in all types of weather.
• Willing to work flexible daytime hours and travel regularly to project locations.
• Effective problem-solving ability and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience with or willingness to learn online computer applications relevant to the work.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Satisfactory driving record and ability to pass a background check.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Benefits

• Excellent compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Career development opportunities, including reimbursements for continuing education, training and certification expenses, and an internal Mentoring Program.

Pay

Hourly Range: $24.50 - $33.85. Final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.