Fisheries Technician 1- American River Escapement Surveys

Position/Project Specifics: 

Participate in survey crews that conduct shore and boat-based salmon escapement surveys (carcass surveys) on the lower American River in Sacramento, California. Collect fish carcasses with a gaff and chop in half with a machete. Make standardized observations including, but not limited to, species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition. Collect fish scales and remove fish heads with a machete. Maintain and clean field equipment and boats. Accurately input biological and environmental data on field forms and/or desktop computers. Adhere to all safety and data collection protocols. Perform QAQC of data. Work is performed Monday-Friday, but daily hours will vary. Applicant must be available to start work on October 6, 2025.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ability to walk 3-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven and slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble
• Ability to swim
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day, every work day
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Ability to identify adult steelhead trout and Chinook salmon
• Must be willing 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
• Follow oral and written directions
• Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level required for successful job performance
• Ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions

Essential Functions: 

• Participate in survey crews that conduct 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 and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks. 

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc.   If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results. 

Additional Mandatory Skills: 

• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim                           
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• load boats on trailers                         
• tow & maneuver trailers        
• valid driver's license
• operate motorized boats                     
• operate non-motorized boats  
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills               
• operate handheld data recorder         
• compile and collect neat and accurate data   
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent must be able 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.  Some work requires the 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.  Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.