Job Posting: Beaver Restoration Environmental Scientist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-534521
-
Beaver Restoration 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: 10/20/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the supervision of the Beaver Restoration Program Supervisor, the incumbent will serve as part of the Beaver Restoration Program, implementing beaver restoration projects to support ecosystem conservation, habitat restoration, species conservation, and improve climate change, drought, and wildfire resilience throughout California. Tasks include conducting pre-trapping beaver surveillance, live-trapping and transporting beavers to CDFW's husbandry facilities, daily animal care and pen cleaning during quarantine, beaver translocations and pre- and post-release monitoring of the ecosystem and translocated beavers, maintenance of equipment and animal husbandry facilities, data collection, entry, and management, conducting beaver surveys throughout the state to help determine the current distribution of beavers in California, as well as assisting with image cataloguing in Wildlife Insights to improve the species identification algorithm for species commonly encountered in California’s wetland ecosystems.

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.

Environmental Scientist: Exam Bulletin Link

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

Working Conditions

Must be willing to work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends due to the species involved (e.g., nighttime tracking, evening trap sets, daily trap checks). Regular travel in state vehicles (> 40%) and some overnight travel (up to 15%) will be required.

Must possess valid Driver's License and be able to safely and effectively operate watercraft and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV)s, as well as tow trailers. This job requires daily operation of State vehicles to reach field sites, regular use of kayaks, and occasional operation of UTVs and motorized watercraft. Must wear Department uniform. Field activities may involve strenuous physical activity, hiking long distances in variable weather conditions, and/or camping in remote field sites. If assigned, must complete wildlife capture and restraint training within 12 months of hire. Must be willing and able to competently use and possess wildlife restraint drugs and equipment; handle live animals and carcasses. When not working in the field, must be able to work in the office setting at least 4 days per week, using a computer keyboard in a sitting and/or standing position several hours a day, unless State or CDFW policies require or allow otherwise.


Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-534521
Position #(s):
565-032-0762-905
Working Title:
Beaver Restoration 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:
Yolo County
Telework:
In Office
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 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. 

Ability to swim at least 50 yards and to stay afloat at least five minutes and ability to lift 40 pounds.

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: 10/20/2026

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
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
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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 Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in an incomplete application submission.

  • 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.

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:

Demonstrated ability to work independently; excels in a collaborative setting; responds positively and proactively to challenges. Ability to think quickly and respond to fast-paced changing situations involving sensitive wildlife issues. Shows courtesy, respect, and tact towards others. Highly dedicated and strongly self-motivated. Able to accurately collect, record, and/or analyze biological data in the field. Knowledge of wildlife and habitat survey protocols; watershed assessment techniques; wildlife handling and capture techniques. Ability to use computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS).

Demonstrated ability to successfully engage, interact, and communicate with scientific staff, stakeholders, and diverse publics. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Good driving record; additional coursework or experience in biological or chemical sciences; interest in and knowledge of fishing, hunting or studying fish, wildlife, invertebrates or plants; experience in camping, boating, and maintaining or repairing equipment; interest in a career in biology or fish and wildlife. Able to focus on long-involved tasks such as data entry and be willing to deal with dirt, mud, dead animals, animal blood/feces, and steps necessary to properly clean and store equipment.

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:
Molly Alves
(916) 202-3620
molly.alves@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.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-032-0762-905 and RPA Number E-WFD 26-001 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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

Response to Supplemental Questions must be no more than two (2) pages in length, size 11 point Arial font.

1. Explain why you want this job and how it supports your long-term career goals.

2. Describe your training, knowledge, and experience using various live trap methods; handling and tagging wildlife; releasing and/or monitoring tagged animals.

3. Describe the personal and professional qualities that you possess that would contribute to the Beaver Restoration Program’s mission and ability to meet Program objectives.

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