Fisheries Technician 1- Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring

Description: This position is a Seasonal Fisheries Technician on the Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Program (CVSMP) based in West Sacramento, CA, from July 1, 2025, through December 2025. Under direct supervision of Lead Biologists/Crew Leaders, the Fisheries Technician will assist with daily field data collection and office/lab activities. Data collection will occur on a seven-day sampling schedule. Fisheries Technicians will collect scientific information to examine the distribution, abundance, and population trends of Central Valley (CV) steelhead trout in the Sacramento River watershed by using mark-recapture methods with large-wire fyke traps on the main-stem Sacramento River. The position requires working on 25ft long motorized watercraft. The candidate must be willing to work in inclement weather and on weekends.

Responsibilities: Operate and maintain large wire fyke traps.

Operate and maintain motorized watercraft and 4wd vehicles.

Handle, anesthetize, tag, and collect biological samples from adult steelhead trout

Assist with installation, operation, and maintenance of PIT tag antenna arrays and acoustic receivers. 

Assist with data entry and QA/QC of all data.

Candidate must be willing and able to work long hours on motorized watercraft, on rough/uneven terrain, and in adverse weather conditions. 

A flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends is mandatory.

Qualifications: 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.  

Learn more and apply here.