Job Posting: Environmental Scientist, Marine Biologist - San Francisco Bay

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533306
-
Environmental Scientist, Marine Biologist - San Francisco Bay
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: 10/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

Join us in studying the largest estuary on the west coast of the USA, working on one of the longest estuarine monitoring programs in the country. The Environmental Scientist will work with a group of scientists studying the effects of freshwater outflow and other physical and biological factors on the abundance and distribution of fish, shrimp, and crabs in the San Francisco Estuary. The San Francisco Bay Study started in 1980 and is one of several long-term fisheries monitoring programs conducted under the auspices of the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) for the San Francisco Estuary.

Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist, Supervisor, the Environmental Scientist is the first-line analytical and field biologist for the San Francisco Bay Study. In collaboration with another Environmental Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for the collection, management, interpretation, and reporting of data to meet the study’s goals and reporting requirements.

The Environmental Scientist will be a crew leader for sample collection from a 42’ research vessel 3 to 6 days per month. The balance of the time will be spent in the office editing data, managing data bases, analyzing and summarizing data, writing reports and papers, and attending and participating in meetings, workshops, and conferences. Collaboration with agency and university scientists for special study design, review, data analyses, and report or paper preparation is an important aspect of this position. Incumbent may act as a lead person for up to 4 permanent and temporary personnel in the field or office.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts several other IEP monitoring studies in the San Francisco Estuary, including work with Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, Striped Bass and the food web for these and other species of interest.

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.

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

Working Conditions

Using a computer and computer keyboard for most of the workday, 5 days a week, when in the office. Involves sitting most of the day; however, may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Involves working several days a month aboard a research vessel collecting, sorting, and processing biological samples, which can occur in inclement weather and rough seas, and require long working days. Requires occasionally working with samples preserved in formalin or ethanol. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be prepared to operate a state vehicle.
This position is headquartered in Stockton, California.
This position may be eligible for 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-533306
Position #(s):
565-323-0762-033
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist, Marine Biologist - San Francisco Bay
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:
San Joaquin 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

• Comfortable working around the water with the ability to swim at least 50 yards and to stay afloat at least 5 minutes.
• Ability to work safely and accurately collecting and recording data from a research vessel operating in a wide variety of weather and sea conditions.
• Possess or develop the ability to accurately identify fishes, crabs, and shrimp collected in the San Francisco Estuary.
• Ability to work safely with samples preserved in formalin or ethanol in properly ventilated situations.
• Possess or develop the ability to: maintain, organize, and work with large data sets; analyze and evaluate data using a personal computer and software including Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, EndNote, R, SigmaPlot and SYSTAT; and to prepare clear and concise data reports and summaries for department reports, and manuscripts for peer review journals, and oral presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting, especially when in the field and at meetings. Must respond favorably to feedback and be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities, within and outside of the department.

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: 10/12/2026

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:
• Interest in estuarine and marine biology and a commitment to develop and improve knowledge and understanding of the ecology of the San Francisco Estuary and biology of the fishes and invertebrates that inhabit it.

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:
Kathryn Hieb
(209) 640-4642
Kathy.Hieb@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
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your application package. The SOQ is a discussion of your experience as relates to this position and should be no more than 3 pages in length, 12 point Arial font. It should address each topic listed below; your experience in each area can be from school (including classes), work, or as a volunteer or intern. Applications received without a completed SOQ will not be considered. Please include your name on your SOQ.
1. Describe your experience sampling fish and aquatic invertebrates in the field and processing biological samples, especially identification of fish, crabs, and shrimp. Sample processing can be in the field, laboratory, or both. Include your length of experience for each example.
2. Describe your experience working with and studying fish and aquatic invertebrates and marine and estuarine ecology, in addition to field work and processing samples. Include your length of experience for each example.
3. Describe your experience managing, summarizing and analyzing data, including the statistical tools you have used to analyze data. Include your length of experience for each example.
4. List the scientific reports and papers that you made a significant contribution to. Please describe in some detail one of these reports or papers; why was the work done and what were the most important findings or conclusions?

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-323-0762-033 and RPA Number E-R3 SO 26-002 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