FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

State of California; Ventura, Santa Barbara (CA, CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California, through the Department of Fish and Wildlife, is seeking a Marine Fisheries Scientific Aid to assist in collecting recreational fishery data and biological samples. The role involves fieldwork at launch ramps, docks, piers, jetties, beaches, and CPFVs, with training provided in survey protocols and fish identification.

Ideal candidates will have two years of college with biology/chemistry units, a CA driver’s license, and the ability to swim and lift up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications

• Two years of college with 10 semester units in biological/chemical sciences.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license.
• Ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at various sites.
• Identify finfish and invertebrates to species; measure lengths and weights as needed.
• Review, edit and submit data for lead staff review and data entry.

Skills

Marine biology

Data collection

Field sampling

Education

Two years of college (60 semester units) with 10 semester units in biological or chemical sciences

Job description

Job Posting:Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533820 -

JC-533820 - Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
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: 10/9/2026

Do you love to work outdoors and have a passion for marine biology? Are you a student or graduate with a passion to learn more about marine science and standard data collection procedures? Have you been looking for the right entry opportunity to start your career with CDFW? If you answered yes to any of those, we have a job for you!

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Marine Region has statewide opportunities for Marine Fisheries Samplers to gather data for the California Recreational Fisheries Survey(CRFS). Using standardized survey protocols, this position will independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps, docks, piers, jetties, beach/banks sites and commercial passenger fishing vessels (CPFV). Specifically, this position will identify finfish and invertebrates to species and collect lengths, weights and other biological data as needed; then review, edit, and submit data to lead staff for review and data entry. Standard survey protocols and fish identification training will be provided.

Position will be filled in the following multiple counties: Ventura and Santa Barbara

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.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

• 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 and schedule is variable and can include commuting in a state or personal vehicle (reimbursed), collecting scientific data in all weather conditions, handling and lifting equipment, sampling at sea on fishing vessels, and performing clerical and scientific work using electronics and computer equipment in an office setting or field environment. Travel of 10% may be required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may be subject to short notice deployment with overnight stays which is dependent upon departmental need.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID $18.26 - $21.67 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: United States

Telework: In Office

Job Type:

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 and holidays
• Two years of college (60 semester units) with 10 semester units in biological or chemical sciences
• Possession of a valid California driver's license
• Ability to work in adverse field conditions
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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:

• Ability to identify marine fish species
• Good organizational skills and ability to keep accurate records and meet deadlines
• Ability to interact positively with the public
• Ability to sample onboard vessels at sea

Special Personal Characteristics: Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing fieldwork throughout the State; willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform.

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.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate and coordinate work in a team setting, communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, interact with members of the public in a professional manner, and communicate effectively with supervisors and leads.

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.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-772-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R7MR26-001 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov .If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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.