Fish Biologist

Job Details

In this role, you will work under minimal supervision to lead aquatic habitat restoration projects and conduct fish population, habitat, stream, and riparian assessments. You will manage deliverables, support restoration planning and design, oversee monitoring efforts, provide QA/QC, and contribute to regulatory compliance documentation across a variety of project types.

You’ll thrive in this position if you are a strong communicator, a self-starter with a growth mindset, and passionate about native fish conservation, stream health, and ecological function. Our ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading fieldwork, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead or support fish population monitoring, aquatic habitat assessments, and stream condition evaluations using standard CDFW, EPA, or NMFS protocols.
• Conduct instream and riparian baseline assessments to inform habitat restoration, enhancement, and management plans.
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of stream and fish habitat restoration projects, including construction observation and long-term performance tracking.
• Contribute to the design and planning of habitat restoration and enhancement projects, including channel regrading, large wood installation, riparian planting, and fish passage improvements.
• Author technical documents including monitoring reports, habitat assessments, restoration plans, biological assessments, and CEQA/NEPA support materials.
• Support permitting and compliance efforts with regulatory agencies including CDFW, NOAA/NMFS, USACE, USFWS, RWQCB, and CalFish.
• Interpret local, state, and federal environmental regulations as they pertain to aquatic resources and fish habitat.
• Mentor junior biologists and seasonal field staff in fisheries protocols, field data collection, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, clients, and agency staff to ensure successful project delivery.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or equivalent in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience designing stream and fish habitat restoration projects, conducting fish and aquatic restoration monitoring, and aquatic habitat assessments in California.
• Strong working knowledge of California fish species, aquatic ecosystems, and inventory and monitoring methods (e.g., electrofishing, snorkel surveys, eDNA, redd counts, egg surveys).
• Experience with Salmon habitat needs and permitting, preferably Pacific Salmon
• Familiarity with aquatic invasive species management and streambank stabilization techniques.
• Experience with design and implementation of fish passage improvements or culvert replacements.
• Working knowledge of stream restoration techniques, fluvial processes, and geomorphic principles.
• Experience working with environmental consulting firms, utility clients, or public infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with CEQA/NEPA/ESA and biological permitting processes.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills and data interpretation experience.
• Highly organized and self-directed, with excellent time management and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; GIS, GPS, or R statistical software experience a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel and conduct fieldwork in remote and aquatic environments.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
   

Preferred Qualifications
 

• MS in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, or a related field.
• CDFW or USFWS Scientific Collecting Permit with fish authorizations.
• Wetland/Stream delineation experience
• Tide water Goby handling permit
• Active membership in professional organizations such as AFS, Cal-Neva AFS, or SERCAL.

Salary Range

92,000-150,000

Contact Information

https://lensa.com/job-application-fish-biologist-hiring-remote/cpc-jd-v3/8c137790ff3a0286e518e6eb68ae76193e26ca43ecaf9dfa09e789803d7b1501?tr=2ad29524bf7c43638fbb289fd0051766incc1&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=slot&utm_campaign=Life+Scientists&utm_term=jse