Job Posting: Research Vessel Operator

Department of Water Resources

JC-532472
-
Research Vessel Operator
MATE, FISH AND GAME VESSEL

$5,316.00 - $6,365.00 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

Job Description and Duties

The Continuous Environmental Monitoring (CEM) unit is seeking an experienced and highly motivated boat operator to pilot research vessels and skiffs for water quality and biological monitoring throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, helping to inform important water resource decisions. This is an exciting opportunity to join  an interdisciplinary team of environmental scientists, engineers, technicians, and other specialists while contributing a dynamic field program and supporting high-quality scientific focused on the restoration, conservation, and management of the San Francisco Estuary.

This full-time position plays an integral role in safely and efficiently supporting field operations, overseeing the maintenance and operational readiness of the program’s vessel fleet, and ensuring the successful collection of high-quality environmental data. Under the direction of the Master, Fish and Game Vessel, the incumbent will assist with identifying and facilitating vessel repairs and routine service, maintaining vessel berthing areas and associated equipment, and keeping accurate records of vessel maintenance, repairs, and related activities.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532472
Position #(s):
840-370-6986-001
Working Title:
Research Vessel Operator
Classification:
MATE, FISH AND GAME VESSEL
$5,316.00 - $6,365.00
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

Division of Integrated Science and Engineering

Ecosystem Monitoring, Research, & Reporting Branch

Environmental Monitoring & Systems Science Section

Continuous Environmental Monitoring Unit

West Sacramento

Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.

At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department.  Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect.  An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/

Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR’s Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.

 

Special Requirements

Incumbent must have sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job. This includes exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time and the ability to: (1) swim at least 50 yards, (2) stay afloat at least five minutes, (3) must be able to move and transport objects of up to 50 lbs. as required, (4) function with incapacitation due to seasickness, (5) have normal hearing and visual acuity, and (6) have normal night and color vision.

This is a sensitive position and is subject to substance abuse training set forth in California Department of Human Resources (CALHR) Regulations 599.960-599.966. This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Federal DOT alcohol and substance abuse testing requirements (including random testing) as set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

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: 10/23/2026

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.

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 Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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 - Cover Letter
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:

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting scientific or environmental fieldwork, including water quality and biological monitoring aboard vessels and skiffs, and working outdoors in remote, rugged, or physically demanding conditions. Experience preparing, operating, and maintaining scientific sampling gear and research equipment is highly desirable. The candidate should have experience operating and maintaining diesel- and gasoline-powered vessels and skiffs, including research vessels at least 50 feet in length, and navigating California inland waters and tidal estuaries, particularly the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Estuary. Mechanical aptitude and experience performing minor vessel repairs and maintenance, coordinating and overseeing repairs and servicing, procuring vessel-related equipment and supplies, maintaining accurate operational records and equipment inventories, and maintaining berthing areas and field support or storage facilities are also desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including experience participating in scientific research projects or special studies, serving in a technical lead or other leadership role, and providing technical guidance to team members. Completion of relevant vessel operations and safety training, such as Marine Operator Training Course (MOTC) or applicable California State Water Project (CSWP) training, is highly valued. Experience developing and maintaining safety documentation, as well as training and mentoring others in vessel operations, equipment use, and safe operating practices, is also desirable.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

 

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

 

Flexible Work Hours

Free Parking

Telework Opportunities

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement

Basic Group Term Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) & 457 plans

Student Loan Forgiveness

Long Term Care

Group Legal Services

 

We are located in West Sacramento right off Highway 50 close to shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.

Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

 

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR 

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Rikki Metcalf
(916) 701-7663
DISE_HR@water.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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.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.

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), cover letter, and resume. Please reference SAP Position #50000494 and Job Control #532472 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

 

The following basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.

 

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

 

Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Examination/Assessment

For more information about the State hiring process, click here. To view the job application process video, click here.


List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.

The Department of Water Resources will be using the examination(s)/assessment(s) listed below:

MATE, FISH AND GAME VESSEL

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