FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

State of California; California; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of California's Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a Pelagic Fisheries Scientific Aid to support monitoring and data collection for pelagic resources. You will collect samples, record field data, and assist with equipment and vehicles in dockside, lab, and office settings.

Work typically 20–30 hours per week with some weekends; high relevance to field surveys and data management. Final filing date: 10/27/2026.

Qualifications

• Position involves collecting biological samples and data in field and lab settings.
• No specific degree requirement stated in the ad.

Responsibilities

• Support monitoring and data collection for pelagic fishery resources.
• Collect and process biological samples (e.g., dissections, otoliths).
• Record and summarize field data; assist with equipment and vehicles.
• Work at dockside offloading sites, labs, and offices; assist with reports and surveys.

Job description

Pelagic Fisheries Scientific Aid

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-535450 -

FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

$18.26 - $21.67 per Hour

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/27/2026

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

Engage in fishery monitoring and data collection to support sustainable use of highly migratory and coastal pelagic fishery resources to inform State and Federal management decisions.

Support pelagic fishery population studies and in-season monitoring for commercial fisheries, including collecting and processing biological samples (e.g., laboratory dissections, genetic samples, otolith extractions), recording and summarizing field data, and assisting with maintenance of field equipment and project vehicles.

Tasks involve working at fishery dockside offloading sites, laboratory and office settings, maintaining catch records and databases, outreach and communications with fishery participants, commercial fishing activity logbook entry and edit, drafting dock activity reports, assisting with field surveys.

Position may include providing support for state and federal regulatory, management, and policy processes and clerical assistance for permanent staff including managerial personnel.

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.

Eligibility

• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.
• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.
• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.
• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.
• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.

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

Working Conditions

Work environment is variable and can include, but is not limited to commuting in state or personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed); collecting scientific data and handling and lifting equipment and samples weighing up to 40 pounds at sea on fishing vessels, research vessels, or aircraft, and at commercial fishing processing locations, shore-based fishing sites, or in a laboratory; and performing clerical and scientific work using electronics and computer equipment in an office setting or field environment. Workdays may occasionally include weekends and some holidays. Workweek typically consists of 20-30 hours year round, but subject to operational need. Occasional overnight travel for meetings and field work.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: In Office

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!

• Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends/holidays and to wear a uniform.
• Willingness to work outdoors where mosquitos, wasps and spiders may be present, in rainy muddy conditions, or hot, dusty conditions.

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.

Special Physical Characteristics

• Physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes; ability to function in rough seas without incapacitation due to seasickness; and ability to lift 40 pounds.

Special Personal Characteristics

Ability to work independently and follow detailed instructions in a team environment. Ability to use computer equipment effectively; and gain experience in the methods and ethics of professional conduct and practices, including adherence of data confidentiality policies.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with the public strongly recommended
• Training in dockside fishery sampling and onboard fishery observations desired
• Experience desired in the safe handling biological samples and application of laboratory methodology
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) mapping.

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.