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Fisheries Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Fisheries are mostly cold-water trout fisheries. Native trout include west slope cutthroat trout ... engineering designs as well as to responsibly and fairly administer laws. Lands include forested ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Serve as the project's fisheries engineering technical point of contact with clients, agencies, and others.: * Mentor and direct developing professionals to guide their execution of work and their ...

Showing results 21-40

Fisheries Engineering information

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How much do fisheries engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for fisheries engineering in the United States is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fisheries engineering?

Fisheries engineering is a specialized field that combines principles of engineering and environmental science to design, construct, and maintain systems that support sustainable fish production and aquatic ecosystem health. Fisheries engineers work on projects such as fish passage facilities, water management systems, and habitat restoration to support both commercial and recreational fisheries. Their work helps balance the needs of industry, conservation, and communities by ensuring aquatic resources are managed effectively and sustainably.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fisheries engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fisheries Engineer, you need a solid foundation in civil, environmental, or biological engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with modeling software (such as AutoCAD or HEC-RAS), hydrological analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for designing sustainable aquatic systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the health of fisheries ecosystems.

What are some common challenges fisheries engineers face when working on habitat restoration projects?

Fisheries engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological needs with infrastructure constraints, navigating permitting processes, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders like government agencies, conservation groups, and local communities. Projects may require innovative solutions to restore fish passage while ensuring flood control or maintaining water quality. Adaptability and strong communication skills are crucial, as engineers frequently collaborate with biologists, hydrologists, and construction teams to achieve project goals.

What is the difference between Fisheries Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectFisheries EngineeringMarine Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Fisheries, Marine, or Environmental EngineeringBachelor's in Marine, Mechanical, or Naval Engineering
Work EnvironmentFish farms, aquatic research facilities, water resource projectsShips, offshore platforms, shipyards
Industry UsageFisheries management, aquaculture, water resource developmentShip design, propulsion systems, offshore structures

Fisheries Engineering focuses on sustainable fishery practices, aquaculture, and water resource management, while Marine Engineering centers on the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and offshore structures. Both roles require engineering degrees but serve different aspects of the maritime and aquatic industries.

What does a fisheries engineer do?

A fisheries engineer designs and develops systems and equipment for the sustainable harvesting, processing, and management of fish and aquatic resources. They often work with water quality, habitat restoration, and fishery management tools, utilizing engineering principles and environmental regulations to support aquatic ecosystems and fisheries industries.
More about Fisheries Engineering jobs

What states have the most Fisheries Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fisheries Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Fisheries Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,760 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Fisheries Management Biologist

State of Montana

Silverbow, MT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


State Of Montana rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states


Job description

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • References

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on August 30th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ 

Job Duties:

This position is in the Upper Clark Fork River drainage with towns and cities that include Deer Lodge, Anaconda, and Butte. The area has a history and culture rich in mining and agriculture as well as a outdoor recreation. Butte is the most populous city with about 35,000 people with its origins in mining of the "richest hill on earth" and now the Berkley Pit and music festivals. It's also at about 5,800 ft of elevation. Anaconda is a smaller community with a mining history and is located near Discovery Ski Resort, Georgetown Lake, and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.  Deer Lodge has a ranching history with Grant Kohrs National Historic Site and local government. Superfund cleanup and habitat restoration are ongoing in the drainage with many agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners taking part. 

Primary job duties include survey and inventory of fisheries and habitat, fish stocking and harvest regulation recommendations, protecting habitat through river and stream project review and permitting, and pursuing aquatic habitat enhancement opportunities. Fisheries are mostly cold-water trout fisheries.  Native trout include west slope cutthroat trout and bull trout, and their conservation is a management emphasis.  The position's responsibility area includes the Clark Fork River upstream of the confluence of Flint Creek to its headwaters, and all water draining into it including Silver Bow Creek, Warm Springs Creek, and the Little Blackfoot River. Typical sampling includes boat and backpack electrofishing, gill netting, and genetic sampling and assessments.  Ability to learn, critically evaluate, and adopt new information is crucial.  In addition to knowledge of fish biology and management, stream permitting and habitat enhancement projects require a working knowledge of hydrology and the ability to evaluate engineering designs as well as to responsibly and fairly administer laws.  Lands include forested mountains managed by state and federal government and private agricultural hay and cattle operations.  Restoring the aquatic and terrestrial resources in the area is a focus for the Upper Clark Fork community.  FWP is currently investing considerable time and resources into collaborative monitoring, evaluation, and research with other agencies and universities.  Effective private landowner, inter-agency, and conservation group collaboration is essential to achieve restoration goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Thorough working knowledge of fisheries management principles & techniques of fish sampling methods and equipment, electrofishing and water safety, aquatic research methods & equipment, stream mechanics & habitat management are all important job qualifications.  Other important considerations include thorough working knowledge of computer use for data processing, telemetry techniques and analysis, and statistical analysis, skills in writing, speaking and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups & agencies.  The ability to operate a wide variety of vehicles, boats, motors, instruments and sampling equipment are needed, as well as the physical ability to do strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions & locations ranging from valley bottom river and reservoirs to high altitude lakes and streams. A combination of excellent work habits, technical ability, applied knowledge and leadership skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are usually acquired through a master's degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology, or Fish and Wildlife Management, Biology or a closely related biological field including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis.

Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a fisheries/wildlife biologist or senior fisheries/wildlife technician, in addition to successful completion of a research effort that includes:

1.    Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue.

2.    Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis.

3.    Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application.

4.    Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information.

5.    Completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal.

6.    If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions or actions.

7.    Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff and public audiences.

8.    If you feel you meet the equivalent experience, please provide a supplemental response in your application that indicates your experience level relative to each point.


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