ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INTERN

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California, Department of Fish and Wildlife, North Central Region is seeking an Environmental Services Intern to support the Human-Wildlife Conflict program with field and policy‑driven tasks.

The role offers hands‑on learning about wildlife management, conflict mitigation, and data reporting, with hybrid work and required in‑person days to align with statewide policy; travel up to 50% will be needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work in a team and communicate effectively with colleagues and public.
• Ability to think quickly, plan, and respond to fast-paced, changing situations involving wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Support the program by providing new and creative solutions to resolve wildlife incidents.
• Develop and incorporate best practices focusing on conflict mitigation techniques.
• Manage, respond, track, and report incidents of Human-Wildlife Conflict across the 17 counties of the NCR.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft Word

TEAMS

Excel

Outlook

Access

Google Earth

Job description

Wildlife Coexistence Intern
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INTERN

$3,057.00 - $4,496.00 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: 9/24/2026

Job Description and Duties

The North Central Region Human-Wildlife Conflict team is looking for an Intern. We are looking for someone to support the program by providing new and creative solutions to help members of the public resolve incidents involving wildlife. The Incumbent will develop and incorporate best practices that focus on conflict mitigation techniques and adhere to existing and changing California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) policies and Fish and Game code to implement solutions that will help keep focal species wild and thriving.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to learn from seasoned biologists for hands‑on field experience with black bears, mountain lions, beavers, and more!

Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor for the North Central Region’s (NCR) Wildlife Management Program (WMP), the Human/Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Intern is tasked with managing, responding, tracking, and reporting incidents of Human‑Wildlife Conflict throughout the 17‑county NCR. The incumbent will develop and incorporate best practices that focus on conflict mitigation techniques and adhere to existing and changing California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) policies and Fish and Game code to implement solutions that will help keep focal species wild and thriving.

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.

The Environmental Services Intern classification is a non‑testing classification.

Working Conditions

The incumbent must be willing to work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Field activities may be strenuous physical activity in variable weather conditions. Office work can require using computer keyboard at least several hours a day, sitting most of the time; but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Lifting heavy and irregular items (up to 40 lbs.) and performing strenuous field and lab work are required. Must attend occasional meetings. In addition to working with Rancho Cordova‑based staff, interact with other CDFW Headquarter staff and members of the public, mostly via TEAMS e‑mail and telephone. Employee is required to wear a uniform identifying the incumbent as an employee of the Department. Must possess a valid California driver’s license. Travel is required at least 50% of the time, which includes overnight stays in various locations throughout the NCR.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INTERN

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INTERN $3,057.00 - $3,786.00A $3,331.00 - $4,118.00B $3,626.00 - $4,496.00C New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

2

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

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!

Desirable Qualifications

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

Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, vendors, and outside agencies.

Demonstrated ability to act professionally, be flexible and tactful. Good time management and sense of geographical direction. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, maintain composure during high‑pressure situations. Ability to think quickly, plan, and respond to fast‑paced, changing situations involving dangerous or imperiled wildlife. Ability to problem solve and formulate questions; operate 4‑wheel drive vehicles in mud and snow, and maneuver trailers; bait and set traps; use Global Positioning System devices to orientate; use computer programs (Microsoft Word, TEAMS, Excel, Outlook, Access, and Google Earth); accurately collect, and record biological data in the field, and interact and communicate successfully with the diverse public.

Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, vendors, and outside agencies.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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.

Application Methods

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off