Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533917
-
Environmental Scientist
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: 10/10/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team who support sport fish conservation? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Bay Delta Region-Hatchery Operations and Interpretive Services Unit serves the public by enhancing recreational angling opportunities, managing sport fish populations, and providing outreach and educational programs that strengthen stewardship across the region.The Hatchery Operations and Interpretive Services Unit is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Environmental Scientist located in beautiful Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California. You will play a key role implementing a Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP), as well as providing critical scientific and technical support for our hatchery operations.

Under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), this position supports the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Bay Delta Region hatchery operations by helping ensure Warm Springs Hatchery and Coyote Valley Fish Facility meet production, genetic management, and Endangered Species Act requirements for the Russian River steelhead program. The role analyzes biological and operational data, manages AquaManager databases, assists with NPDES water-quality compliance, and supports aquatic invasive species monitoring. It also contributes to the Sport Fish Restoration Program by coordinating regional fish stocking, conducting fisheries and habitat assessments, developing management plans, and overseeing freshwater fishing contest permits and sport-fish regulation recommendations.

Additionally, the position leads outreach and stakeholder engagement, evaluates regulation effectiveness, and provides technical expertise to Tribes, agencies, NGOs, and the public on warmwater and coldwater fisheries management.

Be essential at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), where employees are valued and come together to manage and protect California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and habitats, for their ecological values and public enjoyment!

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

Partial office setting using a computer keyboard and Microsoft Office software several hours a day. Work outdoors includes completing tasks in varying weather conditions and walking on uneven surfaces. Must have ability to swim at least fifty (50) yards and stay afloat for at least five (5) minutes. Must be able to move forty (40) pounds. Occasionally work weekends and holidays based upon operational need. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle to travel (up to 25%) to Warm Springs Hatchery (WSH), Coyote Valley Fish Facility (CVFF), and fieldwork as required, including night, weekend, and holiday work on occasion. Must be able to operate the vehicle while trailering a vessel. Must be able to work aboard and operate a motorized vessel. Must possess California Boater Card and will be required to obtain a Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certificate. Typical work hours are 0730 - 1600 hours.

This position is located in Santa Rosa, California with expected travel to WSH and CVFF facilities, and field sites as needed.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533917
Position #(s):
565-343-0762-001
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
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:
Sonoma County
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!

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

Special Requirements

Requires standing and walking on uneven, and slippery surfaces. Involves standing up to eight hours a day. Must have ability to swim at least fifty yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes. Must be able to move forty pounds and conduct heavy manual labor. Involves working outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license. Must be able to operate the vehicle while trailering a vessel. Must be able to work aboard and operate a motorized vessel. Must possess California Boater Card and will be required to obtain a Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certificate.

Periodic required use of respirators and participation in the Department’s respirator protection program, and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) and certifications. A uniform shall be worn in accordance with CDFW’s Operations Manual Section 12901 uniform standards.

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration. 

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: 10/10/2026

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:
- Working with fisheries (management/monitoring) and/or hatchery operations
- Coordinating with outside partners to address a resource issue
- Maintaining data sets, data analysis, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols
- Compliance monitoring or permitting associated with Endangered Species Act (ESA)-impacted sport fisheries for conservation and/or recovery purposes
- Experience working aboard or operating vessels
Should have the ability to work independently and in a team setting, work well with others and respond favorably to feedback. Should have a good driving record and willingness to operate vessels.

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:
Ryan Watanabe
(707) 732-1991
ryan.watanabe@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 Qualfiications

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
In order to be considered for this position, you must provide responses to the supplemental questionnaire below with your State Application. Please keep your collective answers to no more than two pages, single-spaced, using 12-point font. Applications with responses that are not related to the prompts of the supplemental questionnaire may be eliminated from consideration.
1. Describe your experience working with fisheries (management/monitoring) and/or hatchery operations.
2. Describe your experience coordinating with outside partners to address a resource issues.
3. Describe your experience maintaining data sets, data analysis, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols.
4. Describe your experience with compliance monitoring and/or permitting associated with Endangered Species Act (ESA)-impacted sport fisheries for conservation and recovery purposes.
5. Describe you experience working aboard or operating a motorized vessel. Please include any training, licenses, or certifications.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-343-0762-001 and RPA Number E-R3 IF 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