Job Posting: Environmental Scientist, Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533219
-
Environmental Scientist, Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 10/7/2026

Job Description and Duties

California waterways are threatened by invasive mussels, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) needs your help. We are looking for an Environmental Scientist, like you, to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), to minimize their impacts on water conveyance infrastructure, recreation, and to protect aquatic ecosystems. We are looking for a scientist ready to monitor waterways, respond to potential incidents, and engage in public outreach.

You will work with other scientists to sample for invasive species using eDNA, plankton tow, or surface survey methods. You will also collect water quality samples and maintain data that will inform state-level resource management decisions. You will respond to reports of infested conveyances, conduct inspections, and participate in watercraft inspections and decontaminations to stop the spread of AIS. This work also involves engaging with water recreationalists to inspire preventative action, which may include distribution of AIS materials, posting signs, and staffing AIS booths at public events.
We are looking for a professional who can adapt to evolving environmental threats, pays attention to details, and possesses sound judgment while working independently or leading temporary staff. We would also like to find a capable collaborator who can move seamlessly between technical discussions with external agencies and outreach to the general public.

If you want to work outdoors and near water, if you want work with others on science-based resource management, and if you want to contribute to California’s sustainable future, please consider submitting an application for this position.

NOTE ON APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Resumes and Statements of Qualifications will be used to supplement the applicant's qualifications for the position, and will also be reviewed for proper writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation).

Link to Class Title Exam:Environmental Scientist/Exam Bulletin  

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.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.


This position may be filled in the following counties: Solano, Napa, and Santa Rosa counties.


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

Working Conditions

Work is conducted primarily outdoors around water, and frequently requires early morning starts, hiking over uneven and wet/submerged terrain, and riding in a watercraft in adverse weather conditions collecting, sorting, identifying, and processing biological samples. Must be able to elevate up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day, and be able to swim in case of immersion. Office duties require use of a computer for several hours; sitting, standing, or walking; and attendance at meetings and conference calls. As a condition of employment, the incumbent is required to wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for various work situations, including field surveys and public interaction. The incumbent will be required to obtain a California Boater’s Card if appropriate. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be prepared to operate a State vehicle with four-wheel drive. Requires frequent and extensive driving to reach field sites and occasional overnight stays (up to 5%) for trips lasting multiple days.
This position may be headquartered at one of the CDFW, Bay Delta Region offices at the following locations: Santa Rosa, Fairfield, and Yountville, California, to be determined for the successful candidate at the time of the job offer.

This position offers the possibility of a telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533219
Position #(s):
565-341-0762-905
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist, Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - 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

This job involves spending time outside, sometimes for long periods, with potential exposure to heat, cold, wind, and/or rainy conditions. Tasks will sometimes involve navigating rough or wet/submerged terrain on foot. With that, one must be able to work in remote field conditions and elevate up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day. Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to drive in performing field work in the region and throughout the State as needed. As much of the field work is in the aquatic environment, the ability to swim is necessary in case of immersion.
Ability to:
• Multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice
• Organize, prioritize and follow verbal or written instructions and directions
• Prioritize work independently and complete projects
• Work together with fellow employees in a cooperative manner and get along with diverse personalities while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Effectively work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

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: 10/7/2026

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 Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address
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.
  • 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:
Experience:
• Monitoring for aquatic invasive species using established protocols
• In fisheries biology, fisheries management, aquatic ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources management
• Working with stakeholders in water management and relevant regulatory policies
• Working in remote stream or lake environments
• Using field survey equipment
Familiarity with:
• Microsoft Office software
• Geographic Information System (GIS) software
• Basic data analysis techniques

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:
Mitsuko Grube
(707) 815-7944
mitsuko.grube@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 Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must include with their application a one-page Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) answering the following two questions using single-spaced, 12-font Arial font. The SOQ is a narrative response, and must include "Statement of Qualifications" in the header, along with the Job Control (JC) number and the candidate's name. Responses to the questions will be used to supplement candidates' experience and also as a writing sample. Applicants who do not follow these directions or whose response is unrelated to the prompt may be eliminated from further consideration.
Questions:
1. Describe your experience working with aquatic natural resources, including monitoring protocols and assessing invasive species. How was your work applied to resource management?
2. Describe your experience working with stakeholders in the context of water management. Include any relevant regulatory policies and institutions involved. What were the challenges and opportunities associated with these experiences and how were they resolved?

Limited Term/Filing Instructions

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

 

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

You must reference Position Number 565-341-0762-905 and RPA Number E-R3 IF 25-002 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