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Fisheries Technician 1- American River Escapement Surveys
Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
Posted on Aug 6, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of 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.
Duties:
Successful candidates will 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. Staff will be required to perform strenuous field work (walking and wading in uneven terrain, kayaking and navigation of swift water, lifting up to 40 lbs repeatedly throughout the day, etc) daily in inclement weather conditions.
Primary responsibilities include searching for salmon carcasses while walking the riverbanks, paddling kayaks, and/or surveying from boat (2-5 miles each day). Decayed salmon are collected with a gaff and brought to shore for processing and data collection, which includes species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition. The incumbent will collect fish scales, tissue samples, and salmon heads through the use of sharp knives, in addition to chopping salmon carcasses in half using a machete. Hundreds of carcasses can be processed each day.
Additional responsibilities include maintaining and cleaning field equipment and boats, recording accurate data, processing biological samples at the end of each day, data entry using desktop computers, performing QA/QC of data, adhering to safety and data collection protocols, operating and trailering boats/kayaks, and other office related or lab tasks.
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:
- 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
- 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
- Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level required for successful job performance
- Follow oral and written directions
- Ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions
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.