RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

State of California; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of California's Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Law Enforcement Criminal Specialist to support the Cannabis Enforcement Program. You will work with Cannabis Enforcement officers on casework, develop background information, analyze trends, and provide technical support in investigations.

The role involves field duties including evidence collection, liaison with multiple agencies, and statewide training on illegal cannabis cultivation and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Assist Cannabis Enforcement officers on casework and trend analysis.
• Aid with digital and physical evidence collection in the field.
• Liaise with federal, state, national and international analysts on investigations.
• Assist statewide training on illegal cannabis cultivation and market trends.

Job description

Job Title

Law Enforcement Criminal Specialist

Department

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Job Classification

JC-535259 - Law Enforcement Criminal Specialist, RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

Salary

$7,640.00 - $9,847.00 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

10/23/2026

Application Methods

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

Job Description

Are you interested in a career as part of a team to combat illegal cannabis cultivation? Are you easily adaptable, self-motivated, tech savvy, forward thinking, and detail-oriented? This job may be for you!

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Division, Cannabis Enforcement Program is looking for a criminal specialist. This position specialist will work closely with Cannabis Enforcement officers on casework, developing background information, analyzing trends, and providing technical support. In addition, the criminal Specialist will be out in the field assisting with digital and physical evidence collection and periodically acting as a liaison with other Federal, State, National and International criminal analysts, and assisting with training statewide regarding illegal cannabis cultivation and illegal cannabis market trends.

Due to the nature of this position, you must be willing to go through a live scan background check prior to hire, and you must be able to pass all Department of Justice security clearance and training for utilization of California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS).

You can find specific information about the job duties in the Duty Statement. This position may be filled within any California County.

Personal Leave Program

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: Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR.

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer for several hours a day. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Work with staff statewide to complete work assignments; travel may be required during search warrants and/or enforcement operations (5%).

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

Positions Available

1

Work Location.

United States

Telework

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, 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!

Eligibility

Must be able to pass all Department of Justice security clearance and training for utilization of California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS).

Due to the nature of this position, incumbent must be willing to go through a live scan background check prior to hire.

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:

Demonstrate ability to act independently, open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Must be able to work with multiple functions of the department with a team effort approach specifically focused on the various cannabis teams.

Work independently in a team setting and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to use a computer for several hours a day. Involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Work with staff statewide to complete work assignments.

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.