Job Posting: Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-536945
-
Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$8,055.00 - $11,269.00 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: 11/11/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program is hiring a California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Specialist! The incumbent will work independently and as part of a team to provide high level scientific, technical, and policy expertise to support the conservation, management, and monitoring of marine and estuarine species listed under the California Endangered Species Act. In this role, the incumbent will lead complex scientific analyses to support emergency listings and provisional candidate determinations under CESA, as well as CESA listing petitions, status reviews, five-year species reviews, and recovery planning efforts. The incumbent will also support marine and estuarine habitat conservation by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing biological, ecological, and spatial data; developing regulations, permits, environmental review documents, and policy recommendations; and utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) and other analytical tools to advance the Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program objectives. The incumbent will apply scientific expertise to evaluate how proposed projects may affect marine resources, such as activities related to renewable energy development, oil and gas leasing, port development, dredging, and aquaculture. The incumbent must demonstrate strong planning, organizational, and project management skills; experience reviewing and developing avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures; experience leading and coordinating complex projects and working effectively on teams; the ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships across internal and external groups; advanced analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities; exceptional written and verbal communication skills; and experience conducting scientific research in the marine environment.

"The following office locations will be considered for this position: Eureka, Santa Rosa, San Carlos, and Monterey."


Link to Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Exam: CalCareers

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

Working Conditions

The position requires the use of a computer for nearly 8 hours a day, including reviewing and preparing written documents and visual representations of data, and participating in audio and video calls. The position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule depending on operational needs. Occasional (up to 5%) overnight multi-day travel or day trips throughout the State, and potentially other states, is required and may include travel to in-person meetings, compliance inspections, or fieldwork to sites inaccessible by public transportation or ride share. Work assignments may occasionally be subject to short notice deployment, overnight travel, or require early morning or evening work. Fieldwork may require work in adverse weather conditions, on boats, traversing over rugged and slippery terrain, deploying research gear, and handling organisms.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536945
Position #(s):
565-772-0765-093
Working Title:
Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$8,055.00 - $11,269.00
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:
United States
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

Experience conducting scientific research related to California's marine and estuarine species and ecosystems. Able to apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve difficult technical problems, and effectively present recommendations and information. Demonstrated ability to act independently, work on teams, and work effectively with individuals of differing backgrounds, opinions, and skill levels. Able to conduct fieldwork in adverse weather conditions, on boats, traverse over rugged and slippery terrain, deploy research gear, and handle organisms.

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. 


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: 11/11/2026

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 (PO Box)
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 -
    The Statement of Qualifications must include (1) why you are interested in the position and (2) your knowledge, experience, and attributes that would make you a successful candidate for this position, providing specific examples related to the duties and desirable qualifications.

    Statement of Qualifications must be no more than two pages in length, size 12 point, Arial font.
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 managing a diverse suite of projects simultaneously
• Experience with technical report writing and developing recommendations
• Knowledge or experience related to the California Endangered Species Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, and California Environmental Quality Act
• Experience partnering or working with diverse groups of interested parties and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills
• Open-minded, retains mental flexibility, and high emotional intelligence. Navigates complex and contentious issue with diplomacy and tact.

Candidates who do not meet every desirable qualification are encouraged to apply.

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:
Corianna Coyne
(707) 499-0354
Corianna.Coyne@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 565-772-0765-093 and RPA Number E-R7 MR 26-005 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.

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