Fisheries Technician 1- Mendocino Monitoring Programs

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking qualified candidates to fill the role of five temporary Fisheries Technician 1 positions supporting salmon and steelhead monitoring efforts, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Redwood Timber Company. Positions are based in Fort Bragg, California, with fieldwork conducted throughout coastal Mendocino County. Positions will begin in either mid-November or early December 2026 and continue through mid-May or early June 2027. Work schedules will depend on weather conditions, river conditions, and salmonid run timing. Candidates should expect that weekend and holiday work will be required as needed and that schedules may change in response to field conditions.

Fisheries technicians will work as part of a field crew to collect accurate, high-quality biological data and support long-term salmon and steelhead monitoring projects. Field responsibilities will include conducting spawning ground surveys, operating adult salmonid weirs and rotary screw traps for juvenile outmigrants, Floy/PIT tagging salmonids, maintaining PIT tag arrays, and collecting biological data using established protocols.

This work is field-intensive and takes place in remote, rugged environments. Technicians should be prepared for long days in the field, including wading or kayaking rivers for distances of up to 10 miles per day, navigating steep and uneven terrain, climbing over log jams, operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs, and lifting equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. This position requires technicians to work safely in changing weather, river, and environmental conditions.
Successful candidates should be physically prepared for rigorous fieldwork and comfortable spending long periods in remote environments. Candidates should be dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to maintaining high standards of data quality. The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a field crew is essential. Because this project involves coordination among multiple agencies, biologists, technicians, and private landowners, strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.

We are looking for individuals who have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in field-based fisheries work. Previous experience in fisheries or other environmental field-based work is preferred, but we are also interested in candidates who are motivated to learn and develop hands-on fisheries experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in the field and wants to contribute to long-term salmon and steelhead monitoring and conservation efforts along the Mendocino County coast.

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.).
• Make regular facility inspections, including tag interrogation equipment. Record findings and adjustments made. Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies.
• 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: 

• trap/weir
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim       
• operate non-motorized boat (kayak)                
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• hiking                                                 
• 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

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.

Qualifications

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