On-Call Fish Hatchery Specialist (Environmental Scientist)

Your Opportunity

We are seeking experienced on-call fish hatchery specialist join our Aquatic Sciences team. We have offices throughout California and our staff work on projects across the Western United States. The successful candidate will join our team of aquatic specialists working on a variety of projects including aquatic ecology, water quality, environmental monitoring, and ecological restoration field programs. Successful candidates may also have opportunities for involvement in environmental impact assessments and multidisciplinary projects across various Environmental Services teams. 

Your Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on fish culture and hatchery operations.


• Provide technical expertise on steelhead, coho salmon, and Chinook salmon biology.


• Complete field programs as a field crew lead.


• Complete daily field reports and contribute to technical reports or other writing assignments.


• Prioritize safety in all tasks.

Capabilities and Credentials

• Applicant must have fish hatchery operation experience. 


• Experience with fish hatchery equipment and processes. 


• Applicant must have a strong background with steelhead, Coho salmon, and Chinook salmon biology.


• Must have experience in interacting with regulatory agencies including National Marine Fisheries Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 


• Knowledge of streamside incubators. 


• Experience in developing Hatchery Genetic Management Plans. 


• Familiarity with biological field methods, such as electrofishing, hook and line sampling, seining, fish identification, redd surveys, stream assessment methods, and the use of tools such as backpack electrofishers, and water quality assessments.


• Experience in working with steelhead and salmon including surveys, capture and handling, tagging, and data analysis. 


• Proficient with QAQC, data analysis, and reporting.


• Availability to complete field work in urban, rural and/or in remote and challenging locations.


• Ability to travel and support work inside and outside the state of California.


• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.


• Strong professional communication and organizational skills.

Education and Experience

• The ideal candidate should have 20 years or more of experience.


• The following are assets but not required: Electrofishing Safety and Principals Course certificate; CDFW Scientific Collection Permit, ESA Section 10a1a permit or 4d authorization.


• Boat operation experience.

Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.


Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

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