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Fisheries Technician 1- Eel River Monitoring
Fortuna, CA, USA
Posted on Aug 27, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is hiring two Fisheries Technician to assist the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Mainstem Eel River and the Van Duzen River Adult Salmonid ARIS Sonar Monitoring Study during the fall/winter of 2026/2027.
The Fisheries Technician(s) will work under the direction of a CDFW Environmental Scientist and PSMFC Field Crew lead in order to assist daily operations of the ARIS cameras and associated equipment assuring adherence to survey protocol, collection and organization of consistent, high quality data, and review of sonar data files. Additionally, the technician could assist in data analysis and report writing. We need someone who is responsible, communicates well, and can be counted on to help the project accomplish its goals. The technician will be properly trained in ARIS protocol operations and data file review. The goal of the project is monitor run-timing and estimate the adult escapement of California Coastal (CC) Chinook Salmon in the lower Van Duzen River and Mainstem Eel River and additional data collection for the winter run steelhead in the Mainstem Eel River. In order to accomplish this task, the ARIS will operate from approximately late October 2026 to early April 2027, depending on seasonal river flows and timing of fish migration. The camera will record data 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through a safe and reasonable range of river discharges, thus requiring odd hours and some weekend work to adjust the camera's position or, if necessary, remove the camera from the site. Travel will occur 3-5 days a week from the CDFW Fortuna, CA Field Office to the ARIS sites (approximately 25 miles) and returning to the CDFW Office.
In addition to duties associated with the sonar operation, the technician may also participate in adult fish speciation efforts related to the project's goal of producing an accurate Chinook Salmon abundance estimate. These efforts could include adult salmon spawner surveys in tributaries to the Van Duzen River, direct bed and bank fish observations, tangle netting, kayak floats, and mask and snorkel surveys in the Van Duzen and Eel Rivers within the vicinity of the sonar site.
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:
- carcass and redd surveys
- electronic detection technol.
- able to swim
- lift 40 - 50 lbs.
- valid driver's license
- operate non-motorized boats
- 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
- 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. Camping out for extended periods 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.