Job Posting: Research Data Specialist II

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-516844
-
Research Data Specialist II
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$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: 6/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and inclusive team that protects the environment? The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Economist, in the classification of Research Data Specialist II, located in OSPR’s Headquarters office located in West Sacramento. Under the general direction of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment Unit Environmental Program Manager I, the Research Data Specialist II will be in a variety of technical roles in Natural Resources Damages Assessment cases following oil spills, and assist in method development and improvement efforts. The successful applicant will work in the natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) unit within the Resource Restoration Branch. Several challenging responsibilities will include serving as a natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) case lead following oil spills, and participation on multi-disciplinary teams that pursue compensatory restoration. You will work closely with another RDS II, legal staff, and a variety of scientists from the Department as well as multiple other Federal and State agencies. The greater Sacramento area offers a vibrant blend of California's history, diverse culture, and natural beauty, boasting a thriving farm-to-fork food scene, extensive river recreation, and a dynamic urban core, all while serving as the state's accessible capital near wine country and the Sierra foothills. This is a complex but fulfilling work is well suited for a professional economist that seeks fulfillment in environmental enhancements and restoration of natural and recreational resources, and possesses both strong technical and interpersonal skills.

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

 

Class Title: Research Data Specialist II

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

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard for several hours a day. Involves sitting most of the day. Occasional field survey work, off-site meetings and travel, up to 10%, and NRDA spill drills and exercises. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel using a State vehicle.

Additional Conditions: OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position can be required to participate in prevention and response training, drills and incidents throughout California, and to be available to deploy/travel with short notice for extended periods of time (up to 7 days).

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-516844
Position #(s):
565-071-5758-002
Working Title:
Research Data Specialist II
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
$7,869.00 - $9,847.00 L
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:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
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!

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

Special Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication; willingness to perform work from remote locations on occassion, and to work in a team environment; and the ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with a diversity of individuals from other organizations, and governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/15/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other -

    A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.

  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:
Possess an independent and logical manner in your approach to data analysis and technical work, combined with a motivation to see adequate compensation delivered to the public. The highly specialized and technical nature of natural resource damage assessment demands that an adaptable mindset with the ability to be creative in your approach to the work. Commitment to deliver completed work products with integrity and under tight deadlines.

Benefits

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
Hiring Unit Contact:
Bruce Joab
(916) 826-0166
bruce.joab@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
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
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.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, work experience, skills and training meet the qualifications for this position. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience in relation to this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. Your SOQ should be no more than two pages in length, Arial 12 pt. font. Please include the questions in your SOQ and answer in the order shown below:

Please describe work experience or training in economics, mathematical and statistical analysis, and knowledge of non-market valuation, biological resources, or biological resource modeling.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-071-5758-002 and RPA Number E-OSPR 25-019 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.

 

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

 

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.

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