ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 49,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision benefits

State service

Monthly leave credits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

State of California's Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks an Environmental Scientist for the Northern Region Inland Fisheries Program. The role focuses on electronic monitoring to estimate Chinook Salmon and steelhead, collecting biological samples, and coordinating field work with multiple agencies.

The position is 12-month limited term, hybrid with telework options, and may include in-person days. Benefits include full health/dental/vision and state service credits.

Qualifications

• Experience with fisheries monitoring techniques and data processing.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage field data.
• Experience leading field staff in remote areas.
• Knowledge of GPS technology and radio telemetry equipment.
• Ability to use wildlife restraint drugs and equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS, databases, and basic analysis tools.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain video stations and conduct investigations on tributaries.
• Obtain Chinook Salmon and steelhead population estimates using electronic monitoring.
• Collect biological samples and manage population data.
• Coordinate field work with regional and state/federal agencies.
• Prepare reports and support program planning and analysis.

Skills

Fisheries monitoring

Data processing

Analytical skills

Field leadership

GPS technology

Radio telemetry

MS Office

GIS

Databases

Tools

MS Office

GIS software

Relational databases

Job description

Environmental Scientist

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/1/2026

The Northern Region Inland Fisheries Program is looking for a highly motivated individual for a Limited Term Environmental Scientist position to work with a dedicated team of fisheries professionals to construct and maintain video stations and complete other scientific investigations on tributaries of the Upper Sacramento River Basin. Responsibilities will focus on obtaining Chinook Salmon and steelhead population estimates using electronic monitoring techniques and collecting biological field samples to manage Central Valley anadromous salmonid populations. This position involves coordination of field work activities, data collection and organization, reporting, and collaboration with other Department Regions and State and Federal agencies.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive the following benefits:

• full health, dental, and vision benefits
• State Service
• monthly leave credits

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer and a suite of various software necessary for population analysis. Ability to operate 4-wheel-drive vehicles, a variety of boats, and all-terrain vehicles. The ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles off-road is required. Use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available. Must be able to work in remote field conditions and lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day and hike long distances. Work in and near swift water. Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing field work in the region and throughout the State as needed. Incumbent will be required to always wear a prescribed CDFW uniform when conducting field work or interacting with the public.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,418.00 - $6,035.00A $5,370.00 - $7,350.00B $6,796.00 - $9,321.00C New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California’s diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.

Join us and begin a meaningful new career!

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by the quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Working knowledge of fisheries monitoring techniques, data processing and strong analytical skills
• Experience leading field staff in remote areas using Global Positioning System technology and radio telemetry equipment
• Capable of competently using wildlife restraint drugs and equipment.
• Familiarity with and ability to use Microsoft Office software, Geographic Information System software, relational databases, and basic
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice
• Ability to organize, prioritize and follow verbal or written instructions and directions
• Ability to prioritize work independently and complete projects
• Ability to work together with fellow employees in a cooperative manner and get along with diverse personalities while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• level of professionalism
• Ability to effectively work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Civil Rights Office

[phone]

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.