caltrout Careers
Join the team working to revitalize California’s waters for resilient wild fish and a better California.
For more than 50 years, CalTrout has brought science, policy, and partnership together to restore the rivers this state depends on. Our work happens in the field as much as in the office — across four regional programs and nine offices, from the Klamath to Southern California — and it takes people willing to do both.
WHY WORK AT CALTROUT
Join Our Team
CalTrout is a highly recognized, effective 501(c)3 conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco, and with staff based in the watersheds we work to protect. Our professional staff drive science-based solutions that balance the needs of fish, farms, commerce, and communities across the state, backed by a committed Board of Directors, donors, and a strong membership base.
Working here means being part of an organization where the science, the policy work, and the on-the-ground restoration are all connected — where the report your team publishes can inform the dam removal your colleagues are permitting three counties away. It means measurable impact: rivers reopened, streams restored, policy passed, and a fifty-year track record to build on.
In their words
“I am inspired every single day by the passion, intellect, and dedication of my colleagues. Working alongside folks like this makes working at CalTrout not just rewarding but also fun!”
Analise Rivero/Director of Policy
What to Expect
Roles at CalTrout span science, policy, communications, development, finance, regional field operations, and more, based out of our San Francisco headquarters, our seven regional offices, and our Sacramento office. Many positions involve fieldwork, travel across California, and close collaboration with Tribal Nations, landowners, agencies, and local communities — this is not a desk-only mission.
Life at CalTrout
A mission-driven team, time together in the places we work to protect, and benefits designed to support life beyond the job.
Plan Ahead
Comprehensive Health Benefits
We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage through our Cafeteria Plan. The organization covers 100% of the employee premium for our base plans, plus 50% of the premium for eligible spouses and dependents.
Plan Ahead
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees can take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allowing them to set aside pre-tax dollars to help cover eligible medical and healthcare expenses.
Invest in Your Future
Retirement Savings
We support our employees’ long-term financial well-being with competitive retirement matching, along with both traditional and Roth savings options. Our retirement plans also offer a generous vesting schedule, helping employees build toward their financial future from the start.
Time to Recharge
Sabbatical Leave
We value commitment and longevity. To recognize employees who have dedicated years of service to our organization, all eligible full-time staff — not just those in leadership roles — can earn sabbatical leave after reaching established service milestones.
Support for Families
Paid Parental Leave
Growing a family is an important life milestone, and we’re committed to supporting our employees through it. We offer generous supplemental paid parental leave to help new parents take meaningful time away from work to welcome and care for their growing families.
finding balance
Work-Life Balance
We believe our employees should have time to recharge, connect with family and friends, and enjoy life outside of work. Staff receive generous paid time off, 15 paid holidays, and a paid winter break in December.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK
CalTrout’s work is powered by scientists, restoration practitioners, policy experts, communicators, fundraisers, and regional staff working across California. Together, they bring deep expertise, local knowledge, and a shared commitment to healthier rivers and resilient wild fish.
the next generation
For Interns & Students
CalTrout depends on the energy and fresh perspective that students and early-career conservationists bring, and we’re committed to giving them real, hands-on experience — not just administrative work. Internships and seasonal field crew positions are typically posted alongside our other open roles above.
Are you a student looking to partner with CalTrout on a capstone or research project? Reach out to info@caltrout.org.
Not ready for an internship, or just want to pitch in?
In their words
“I have learned so much working at CalTrout, but more than anything, I cherish that this role has given me hope. Hope can be a rare commodity in the increasingly bleak realm of environmental restoration. But nestled here between the McCloud, Shasta, and Upper Sacramento watersheds, what I’ve seen has given me hope.”
Anastazja Krostenko/Shasta Cascade Summer Intern
develop your skills
Equal Opportunity Employer
CalTrout does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other legally protected characteristic.
We’re passionate about building an inclusive workplace that values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to perform better — but just as importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, contact hr@caltrout.org and we’ll work with you directly.