Job Announcements

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is recruiting for two positions supporting the Quantitative Ecology team at USGS's Western Fisheries Research Center (Columbia River Research Laboratory):

Fishery Data Analyst

Supports WFRC's Quantitative Ecology Team with data management, R coding, and analytical support for fisheries research. Ideal for candidates with a Bachelor's (plus 2+ years experience) or Master's in fisheries science, quantitative ecology, statistics, or a related field, along with strong R skills and attention to reproducible workflows.

Quantitative Fishery Ecologist

Leads complex statistical analyses such as developing population, abundance estimation, and mark-recapture models, as well as co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. Requires a Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) and advanced expertise in Bayesian inference, population modeling, and quantitative programming.

Both roles involve telemetry and ecological data, reproducible R-based workflows, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team at WFRC.

For full position details and to apply, visit PSMFC Careers.

These announcements are open until November 5, 2026.

Help lead the science shaping the region!

The Delta Stewardship Council, in partnership with the United States Geological Survey, is seeking a nationally recognized scientist to become the next Delta lead scientist. This role is responsible for providing unbiased scientific expertise to the Council, the Delta Science Program, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta science community. Additionally, the Delta lead scientist communicates science in a manner that is understandable to the intended audience.

Applications received by 11:59 PM on January 17, 2027, will receive priority consideration. The position will start in late 2027.

Learn more about this role, including responsibilities and desired qualifications: Lead Scientist Recruitment Flyer (PDF)

About the Delta lead scientist role

“Being the Delta lead scientist means caring, and sharing your talents toward effective and forward-looking stewardship of an exceptional place,” says current Delta Lead Scientist Dr. Lisamarie Windham-Myers. “And doing so with a passionate, professional team of visionary scientists, engineers, and policy experts. Few places are as precious and yet vital to the well-being of people at the local, regional, and national scales. Furthermore, few places are changing so rapidly from year to year due to natural processes and human decisions. If you are interested in making an impact, this is the role of a lifetime for a scientist.”

About the Delta Science Program

California’s Delta is formed at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and presents one of the most significant water and environmental management challenges in the world. The Council created the Delta Plan as a map for achieving the coequal goals of a reliable statewide water supply and a protected, restored Delta ecosystem in a manner that preserves the values of the Delta as a place, as required by the Delta Reform Act of 2009. The Delta Plan called for the Council’s Delta Science Program to develop and publish a Delta Science Plan to identify actions for acquiring, synthesizing, coordinating, and communicating the best available science to achieve the vision of “One Delta, One Science.”

The Delta Science Program supports scientific research in the Delta through competitive research solicitations, directed actions, and fellowships, and has awarded over $50 million in competitive funding for Delta science since 2010 across more than 160 projects. The impact of some of this funding can be explored in the 2026 Research Impact Assessment (PDF).

CalCareers Job Announcement

Job Posting: Aquatic Ecologist
Job Ad: JC-536359 - Aquatic Ecologist Environmental Scientist
Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Yolo County
Job Type: Permanent Intermittent - 1500 Hours

A little bit about the position:

This position offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be part of a team of interdisciplinary scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit (AEU) and the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP). AEU conducts long-term monitoring and aquatic ecology field studies in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent is responsible for leading field surveys for the collection of fisheries, invertebrate, water quality, and other ecological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program, affiliated special studies, and other long-term IEP monitoring programs. The incumbent will correctly identify and monitor native and non-native fish and lower trophic communities using a variety of techniques, including use of a rotary screw trap, fyke trap, net tows, and beach seine surveys. Other duties include but are not limited to laboratory processing of water quality, biological, and molecular samples, implementing new quality control measures, maintaining, and troubleshooting field equipment, and preparing technical data reports. Field duties require rigorous physical work under variable conditions.

As a permanent-intermittent position, the incumbent may not exceed working 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Permanent-intermittent (PI) employees are eligible to receive benefits after meeting the required work hour criteria and do receive holiday pay on a pro-rated basis.

Thoroughly review the job announcement for more information on job duties, qualifications, benefits, and how to apply. A link to the Duty Statement is included under the Job Description and Duties section of the announcement.

Questions related to the position or application process can be directed to the Hiring Unit Contact, Rikki Metcalf, at (916) 701-7663 or DISE_HR@water.ca.gov.

CalCareer Job Announcement

Job Posting: Wetland Restoration Ecologist
JC-536294 - Wetland Restoration Ecologist Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Final Filing Date: 11/10/2026
# of Positions: 2
Work Location: San Joaquin County
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fish Restoration Program (FRP) Monitoring Team has two brand new Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) positions available in the Bay-Delta, Stockton office. The FRP is seeking two creative, curious, and collaborative scientists to help drive cutting edge ecological analysis, interagency coordination, and field base discovery related to tidal wetlands restoration across the San Francisco Estuary.

Carefully review the job announcement for more information on qualifications, eligibility, job duties, and how to apply.

Questions related to the job or the process to apply, can be directed to the Hiring Unit Contact, Stacy Sherman, at (209) 470-2906 or Stacy.Sherman@wildlife.ca.gov.

CalCareers Job Announcement

Job Code and Working Title: JC-535803 - Fisheries Ecologist
Classification: Environmental Scientist
Work Location: Yolo County
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The California Department of Water Resources has an opportunity for a Fisheries Ecologist (Environmental Scientist) available in their Aquatic Ecology Unit. The final filing date for this announcement closes 11/3/2026.

A little bit about the position:
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.

Review the job announcement for more information on the job description and duties, desirable qualifications, and how to apply.

Questions

Questions related to the position can be directed to the hiring unit contact, Gareth Johnson, at (916) 882-0989 or DISE_HR@water.ca.gov.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is filling the vacancy of the Smelt Team Supervisor (Senior Environmental Scientist, Supervisory) within the Water Branch's State Water Project Permitting Program. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in leading a team of scientists dedicated to managing California's water for native fishes of the San Francisco Estuary, specifically Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt.

CalCareers Job Announcement: JC-535352 - Smelt Team Supervisor
Final Filing Date: 11/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills and a background in fisheries biology and the California Endangered Species Act to lead the Smelt Team within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's State Water Project Permitting Program.

The Smelt Team Supervisor will oversee implementation of, and compliance with, the federal and state endangered species acts for the Central Valley Project (CVP), State Water Project (SWP), and the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). They will collaborate with State, federal, academic, and/or colleagues to implement and review the scientific and administrative aspects of water project operations, covered species monitoring, scientific study, and mitigation. The Smelt Team Supervisor will also lead the team in developing novel monitoring, minimization, and mitigation concepts for Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt and propose them to Water Branch management for implementation.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the position or the application process can be directed to the hiring unit contact, Michael Eakin at (916) 838-9671 or Michael.Eakin@wildlife.ca.gov.