Fishery Biologist 2, White Sturgeon Surveys, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 2, 2026

Salary: $68,419 to $107,620 per year

Education Required: Bachelor’s or higher degree in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours in animal sciences

Description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is hiring a Fishery Biologist 2 to lead a fishery-independent White Sturgeon population dynamics monitoring project, based at the CDFW office in West Sacramento, California, paying $68,419 to $107,620 per year with a closing date of June 2, 2026.

The Fishery Biologist 2 leads or assists with three primary project components: mark-recapture data collection and analysis based on fishery-independent setline surveys; sonar surveys in the spawning reaches of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers; and acoustic tagging of sturgeon handled during setline surveys.

The setline mark-recapture data inform abundance metrics for White Sturgeon in the San Francisco Estuary, a species that became a candidate for listing under the California Endangered Species Act in June 2024. Sonar surveys provide spawning adult abundance estimates and can be paired with juvenile abundance indices to establish spawner-recruitment relationships over time. Acoustic tagging provides insight on behavior and movement patterns as sturgeon migrate within the estuary and upriver to spawn. The position supervises a crew of four fisheries technicians, manages charter captain subcontracts, and works in collaboration with the CDFW lead scientist.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan logistics, and ensure adherence to setline survey and tagging protocols by vessel operators, four fisheries technicians, and volunteer data collectors.
• Lead or assist with mark-recapture data collection and analysis from fishery-independent setline surveys.
• Conduct sonar surveys in the spawning reaches of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.
• Perform acoustic tagging of White Sturgeon handled during setline surveys; identify sex and collect gonadal tissue samples.
• Produce monthly reports including data summaries of catch, total sturgeon tagged and recaptured, plus field notes on gear repair, maintenance, purchase needs, and field difficulties.
• Manage and maintain a setline survey database.
• Inventory, repair, purchase, and maintain project equipment.
• Manage charter captain subcontracts and invoices, ensuring timely processing and payment of purchase orders.
• Supervise and manage the workload of four fisheries technicians under the guidance of the Project Manager.
• Perform setline surveys and tagging duties on various vessels at specific locations in the San Francisco Estuary, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences.
• 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression, OR 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master’s degree in fields directly related to the position. An equivalent combination of experience and education also qualifies.
• Knowledge of fishery biology, including knowledge of particular species of fish.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats, the scientific method, and sampling protocols.
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentation software, database software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.
• Ability to compile and collect neat and accurate data; oral communication; scientific writing skills.
• Valid driver’s license; offer contingent on driving records check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fish identification skills, specifically knowledge of species residing in the San Francisco Bay/Delta.
• Previous experience handling and taking morphometric measurements of fish.
• Database management, including SQL databases and data processing, manipulation, and analysis in computer software programs such as R.
• Experience collecting environmental data using water quality multiparameter sondes.
• Experience deploying, maintaining, and repairing fisheries sampling gear.
• Experience leading field crews in scientific data collection.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, full-year, benefits-eligible position; project length 12 months or more.
• Fieldwork will be weather dependent and follows a 4/10 schedule (four 10-hour days per week).
• Combination of office work at the CDFW West Sacramento Office and field work on vessels.
• Physical demands include bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 40 pounds, with above-average manual dexterity.
• Travel up to 10 percent.
• State vehicle use; valid driver’s license required.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and AD&D coverage, short-term disability, voluntary insurance, flexible spending, deferred compensation, and up to 120 hours of vacation in the first three years (rising to a maximum of 192 hours per year).
• PSMFC participates in E-Verify and is unable to support visa sponsorships or extensions.
• Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer; drug-free workplace.

How to Apply

Apply through the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission ADP careers portal by June 2, 2026.