Fisheries Ecologist (Environmental Scientist)

Job Description and Duties This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team of interdisciplinary professional scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit (AEU), working across a diverse range of field, laboratory, analytical, and research activities. AEU conducts innovative aquatic ecology research and long-term monitoring in the Yolo Bypass and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent is responsible for leading the collection of fisheries, invertebrate, water quality, and other ecological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program using gear such as a rotary screw trap, fyke trap, beach seines, plankton nets, and water quality instruments. The incumbent will lead field crews, operate boats and specialized sampling equipment, troubleshoot field challenges, and process chemical, biological, and molecular samples in the laboratory. In addition to supporting long-term monitoring, the position will have opportunities to lead and contribute to novel research through special studies, from developing study plans and sampling approaches to analyzing data and communicating findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations. This position requires adapting and modifying field methods to meet changing demands or situations, while maintaining high standards for safety, data quality, and permit compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to address complex aquatic resource management questions. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Field sampling may require traversing uneven terrain and boat activities in rugged outdoor environments and inclement weather. Field sampling may occur on weekends and at night. The incumbent must be able to swim at least 50 yards and stay afloat for at least 10 minutes with assistance of a personal floatation device, work on boats without severe incapacitation due to seasickness, and transport equipment up to 50 pounds, with assistance. The incumbent will be required to drive to field study locations and to off-site meetings and must possess a valid driver’s license. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: The ideal candidate is a collaborative, adaptable scientist who is excited to work across disciplines and take ownership of diverse scientific challenges. Candidates should have strong teamwork and communication skills, sound situational awareness and judgment, and the initiative to identify problems and develop practical solutions in dynamic field and laboratory environments. Above all, we are looking for someone who is comfortable learning new skills, working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting, and stepping into leadership roles when needed. Additionally, a well-qualified candidate will have: • Knowledge of floodplains, aquatic, and food web ecology and associated laboratory techniques. • Experience coordinating and conducting scientific fieldwork in remote or rugged terrain and aquatic environments, including operating motorized boats and field equipment (e.g., rotary screw traps, fyke traps) and implementing field surveys or long-term monitoring protocols. • Experience implementing sampling and safety protocols, particularly when working with specially listed species or other regulated resources. • Experience managing ecological data with strong analytical skills, including the ability to review and interpret datasets, and applying statistical methods to research questions. • Experience with data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), including evaluating and managing highly variable, noisy, incomplete, or censored data. • Experience processing biological and/or molecular samples in a laboratory. • Willingness to learn and be proficient in genetic sample processing. • Willingness to learn and comply with Department procurement and contract management policies, procedures, and best practices. • Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, study plans, SOPs, and scientific presentations. • Familiarity with ecological and regulatory issues in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. • Well-developed communication and leadership skills, requiring careful preparation, situation awareness and safety judgement. Recognition that fieldwork in challenging aquatic environments may involve boats, variable weather, night work, and changing field conditions, making safety awareness, preparation, and good judgment essential.