Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the position of Fisheries Technician 1-San Luis Obispo Area Ocean Salmon Port Sampler located in Morro Bay and Avila, California. The 2 available positions are projected to start on or after April 1, 2026. These are temporary positions with varying hours.  Position/Project Specifics:

• Collects commercial fishery data and biological samples at commercial offloading or processing locations using standardized surveying protocols.
• Collects recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps and/or docks using standardized surveying protocols. Duties include identification of Pacific salmon to species, collecting fish lengths and biological data, and performing frequent reconnaissance via visual observation, phone call or personal contact to determine fishing effort levels. Sampling occurs weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Collects, transports, or processes salmon snouts and/or heads in addition to biological samples such as scales and tissue samples.
• Records field data; reviews, edits and submits data, by mail and electronically, to field supervisor in a timely manner.
• Interacts with and responds to public questions about fishing regulations, fish identification, and other topics while in the field using material provided by the Department.
• May assist other projects as needed, including collection of other fishery-dependent data.
• Assists with other project functions as needed, including data entry, data management, data cleanup, and equipment maintenance.

Essential Functions: 

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, 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.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, aging structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

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. 

Additional Mandatory Skills:                                             

• CPR/ First Aid              
• literature search/ review                   
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• fish species ID skills               
• using fish keys
• compile and collect neat and accurate data   
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent 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. 

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation.  The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or the field.  Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water.  Field work involves exposure to weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.

QualificationsMinimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experiences and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level, including at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the position's work or (2) experience that provides familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**Specialized Experience is the experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.

LocationCDFW San Luis ObispoProject Length6 months or lessPosition TypeTemporaryTravel Requirements75% - 100%BenefitsEmployees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, paid time for jury duty and bereavement leave.DrivingPersonal Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.Salary Target$15.59- $25.46/ hourClosing DateMar 06, 2026