Senior Fish Biologist-Part Time

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm with 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeast. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore projects in communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands.

Position:
Part‑time Senior Fish Biologist

We are seeking a senior fish biologist with extensive experience conducting fisheries science field studies to join our Fish and Aquatic Sciences team in Northern California. The role involves specialized fish population monitoring, water quality and hydrologic monitoring, and compliance monitoring for terrestrial and aquatic species. The position is variable part‑time and requires a minimum of five years of professional experience.

• Conduct fisheries and water quality investigations using a range of sampling gear across California.
• Provide strong time/budget management, organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem‑solving.
• Lead and manage crews of biologists during fisheries and aquatic surveys.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Apply standard techniques, methods, and procedures for a variety of tasks.
• Collect data on fish populations with electrofishing units, nets, traps, and other gear.
• Operate water quality and hydrologic sampling gear such as sondes, data loggers, and ADCP units.
• Operate and trailer a variety of boats and maintain vessel service records and routine maintenance.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in fisheries or aquatic biology field.
• Extensive experience operating and trailering boats; proficiency with fish and water quality sampling gear.
• Experience maintaining sampling equipment and organizing gear.
• Strong field work orientation, comfortable walking long distances and carrying a backpack.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Experience working in remote, rural, and urban outdoor settings; ability to work in inclement weather and occasional nights/weeksends.
• Excellent team collaboration and independent work capability.
• Strong time, budget, and project management skills.

The ESA fish and aquatic sciences practice spans the entire project life cycle—from strategic planning and permitting to field implementation and reporting. Our multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technologies enable us to solve complex scientific and regulatory challenges. Our team of 18 fish biologists in Northern California conducts field investigations throughout the state.

Salary range: $57,000 – $65,000 USD

You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. Employees may also be eligible for the employee stock ownership program and a tax‑deferred 401(k) plan, subject to eligibility requirements and local compensation factors.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)