Fisheries Technician 1- American River Escapement Surveys

This is a temporary position (4 months or less) with an anticipated start date of October 5th, 2026. Work is performed Monday-Friday, but daily hours will vary and will require a willingness to work long field days with early start times. The position is based out of Rancho Cordova, CA.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a survey crew team conducting shore and boat-based salmon escapement surveys (carcass surveys) on the lower American River in Sacramento, California.
• Perform strenuous field work daily, including walking and wading in uneven terrain, kayaking and navigating swift water, and lifting up to 40 lbs repeatedly throughout the day in inclement weather conditions.
• Search for salmon carcasses while walking riverbanks, paddling kayaks, and/or surveying from a boat (2-5 miles each day).
• Collect decayed salmon with a gaff and bring to shore for processing and data collection, including species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition.
• Collect fish scales, tissue samples, and salmon heads using sharp knives, and chop salmon carcasses in half using a machete (hundreds of carcasses may be processed each day).
• Maintain and clean field equipment and boats, record accurate data, and process biological samples at the end of each day.
• Perform data entry using desktop computers, QA/QC of data, and adhere to safety and data collection protocols.
• Operate and trailer boats/kayaks, and perform other office-related or lab tasks.
• Participate in survey crews conducting 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 (e.g., scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers.
• Assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection for routine or repetitive tasks.
• Knowledge of basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc.
• Ability to perform calibrations or adjustments to complex equipment systems if operated.
• Previous field work experience.
• Ability to walk 2-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven, slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble.
• Ability to kayak on a river.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to handle rotten fish carcasses all day.
• Ability to record neat and accurate field data.
• Ability to operate a computer and various PC-based software programs.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English at a level required for successful job performance.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions.

Physical Demands

• Demands can range from moderate (walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping) to rigorous.
• Ability to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.
• Ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment

• A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation.
• The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.
• Work may occur on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms over or adjacent to water.
• Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.
• Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.