Job Description – Environmental Scientist
FOCI: Environmental analysis, aquatic ecology, habitat restoration and
fisheries monitoring, geospatial mapping and analysis
LOCATION: West Sacramento, CA
Overview: Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS) is a fisheries research consulting
firm that serves throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. Our
mission is to rigorously apply the scientific method to afford our clients
innovative, scientifically robust solutions to address a variety of
fisheries and environmental challenges. The CFS team achieves this through
effective and unbiased data collection, insightful analysis and
interpretation, and clear communications. The Biologist provides support
for the organization by conducting field and laboratory work and data
collections, data analysis and problem solving for our clients.
We are looking for an early career environmental scientist to join our team
of aquatic and physical scientists. We are seeking candidates that have
degrees and/or experience in fisheries, aquatic ecology, habitat
restoration, hydrology and geomorphology. The selected candidate will join
a growing group of scientists in our West Sacramento, California office
working on projects throughout California, with a focus on the Central
Valley. Ideally, we would like to find a candidate that has basic
experience in ArcGIS and a desire to expand their skillset. Our group works
in all aquatic environments including ponds, rivers, lakes, estuaries and
deltas, so candidates with a strong understanding of these coupled
hydrologic and ecologic systems are preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Test hypotheses, collect data, perform statistical analyses and
problem solving for various projects, studies and other assignments
• Complete research, technical writing and analysis of data related
to project tasks as assigned, summarize and display data
• Perform GIS data collection, post-processing and analysis
• Hydrologic and geomorphic data collection and analysis
• Hydraulic modeling and analysis
• Environmental permitting (NEPA/CEQA compliance)
• Follow outlines provided by Project Managers to develop annual
project reports including graphs and data summaries
• Perform hands on work which may include fish trapping and tagging,
visual estimation techniques (e.g., snorkeling, redd surveys), collecting
data on the physical environment (e.g., water quality, channel bathymetry)
and taking measurements of individual specimens
• Serve as a task lead on multiple projects and guide Technicians
successfully in order to help support the project work and data collection
needed
• Manage logistical items such as purchasing of equipment and
supplies, and assigning various duties and tasks to staff
• Attend and present at scientific meetings
• Conduct literature reviews and increase familiarity with scientific
literature relevant to projects
• Perform other duties as assigned
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (required):
• Fisheries and/or Restoration Expertise: Demonstrated ability to
work alone or as part of a team collecting, recording and analyzing
physical and biological data sets from field and laboratory monitoring
projects and experiments. Fundamental knowledge of the scientific method
and its application in ecological and fisheries research. Experience
designing and implementing aquatic and riparian ecosystem studies and
monitoring.
• Team Leadership Skills: Within a team and Employee Stock Ownership
Plan (ESOP) culture, sets personal high performance and quality standards
and enables the team to be successful. Views all members of the team as
critical and important and treats team members with respect and
professionalism. Able to collaborate with other team members.
Mentors/develops Technician team members.
• Science-Business balance. This individual should demonstrate
expertise and be passionate about science, natural resources and resolving
complex fishery problems. In addition, the individual should have an
understanding of management and business functions to help manage CFS as a
profitable business.
Personal Attributes
• Demonstrated leadership skills including ability to lead, train and
supervise field crews in data collection, entry, and analysis and other
aspects of project work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to express
and exchange ideas
• Ability to work independently with strong organization and
coordination skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines
• Ability to accurately interpret and follow established guidelines
and procedures
• Ability to produce accurate, timely and quality work products and
be accountable for meeting objectives
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to resolve problems
• Strong customer service ethic in delivery of services
• Ability to complete and/or delegate work assigned by project leaders
• Positive energy as evidenced in an optimistic outlook, a sense of
humor and a disposition to encourage. Individual should be affable and
someone that people generally want to be around
Desired Experience
• Environmental science experience including, stream ecology,
fisheries, limnology, hydrology, geomorphology
• Data recording, management and analysis, including GIS analysis
• Experience operating boats, outboard motors, 4-wheel drive
vehicles, trailers and other equipment utilized in field surveys and studies
Education/Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Biology or an equivalent field and
4 years of related experience or Master’s degree in Fisheries, Biology or
an equivalent field and 2 years of related experience performing fisheries
or wildlife studies
• Familiar with R or other standard statistical software, Arc GIS,
and MS Access
• Demonstrated skills in data collection, entry, and analysis,
developing graphs and communicating project methods and findings in
presentations and reports
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
• Possible long periods of computerized data analysis in an office
environment
• Must be comfortable working in the aquatic environment including
working from a boat platform, swimming and wading in rivers, streams, and
lakes
• Must be able to work effectively in inclement weather, including
hot, cold, rain and fog conditions
• Working irregular hours (including weekends and evenings) in
various kinds of weather and potentially rugged terrain on occasion in
order to meet project deadlines
• Travel – field work may require extended travel to remote areas for
2-3 days at a time. Able to drive safely in a variety of weather
conditions for extended distances.
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive base salary based on qualifications
Health and retirement benefits
Incentive pay structure available
CFS is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company
How to apply: Please send cover letter and resume to: [email protected].
