Fisheries Technician

FISHBIO is seeking a qualified Fisheries Technician to join our Chico, CA office. We conduct long-term monitoring programs, habitat restoration projects, and various fisheries studies aimed at managing and recovering salmonid populations in the Central Valley. Key tasks include operating rotary screw traps, wire fyke traps, fish passage weirs, conducting redd and snorkel surveys, marking and tagging fish, and performing electrofishing surveys. Additional duties may involve reporting, data synthesis, and field sampling for ongoing projects.

Requirements/Basic Qualifications:

• Physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs
• General knowledge of salmonids and California freshwater fishes
• Proficient swimming skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexible work schedule (including nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Ability to work independently in the field
• Experience and physical ability to collect field data (e.g., fisheries monitoring, water quality, surveying, hydraulics/hydrology)
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accurate record-keeping
• Adherence to stringent safety and procedural protocols
• Regular check-in/check-out calls
• Periodic review of safety plans and job hazards
• Valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications:

• Degree or pursuing a degree in fisheries biology, aquatic biology/ ecology, or a related field
• Knowledge of California rivers, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and native/non-native fish species
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and statistical software
• Experience with rotary screw trap installation, operation, and retrieval
• Whitewater experience and swiftwater rescue training
• Experience working in remote locations under adverse conditions (e.g., high flows, cold, inclement weather)
• Creative problem-solving, resourceful, self-motivated, and comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment