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Fishery Biologist 1- Tagging Trailer Operator
Red Bluff, CA, USA
Posted on Oct 28, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a Fishery Biologist 1 - Tagging Trailer Operator based in Red Bluff, California. This is a seasonal, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of December 14th, 2026.
The Trailer Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining an automated fish-marking trailer that removes adipose fins and injects coded-wire tags (CWTs) into the snouts of juvenile salmon and steelhead. This is a highly technical position that requires strong troubleshooting skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple systems simultaneously. Trailer Operators spend much of their time monitoring equipment performance, diagnosing problems, making adjustments, and maintaining the various components within the AutoFish trailer. These are complex systems with many processes occurring at once, making the position both challenging and rewarding. The Trailer Operator serves as the lead for an assigned shift and typically supervises one or two technicians, ensuring that fish are processed efficiently and accurately while maintaining equipment performance and quality-control standards. Additional information, photos, and videos of AutoFish systems can be found on the Northwest Marine Technology website.
This position offers valuable hands-on experience with both threatened and endangered salmonids while working at nine anadromous fish hatcheries throughout Northern California and collaborating with personnel from multiple agencies. For individuals who demonstrate the ability to learn, troubleshoot, and successfully operate these complex systems, opportunities for full-time, year-round employment may be available.
No Housing is provided.
Essential Functions:
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Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct 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.
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Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
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Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
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Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
- Knowledge of fish husbandry.
- Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
- Knowledge of the scientific method.
- Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
- Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
- Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
- Knowledge of database management.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL .
Additional Mandatory Skills:
- elec. detection technology
- lift 40-50 lbs.
- valid driver's license
- tow & maneuver trailers
- fish species ID skills
- compile and collect neat and accurate data
- specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
- oral communication skills
- written communication skills
- construction, fabrication and installation skills
- repair & maintain equipment
Physical Demands:
Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous. In the latter case, the employee 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:
Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Employees 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 or docks, 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.