Job Posting: Unit Manager: Aquatic Ecology

Department of Water Resources

JC-471010
-
Unit Manager: Aquatic Ecology
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)

$10,538.00 - $13,100.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 4/7/2025

Job Description and Duties

This position offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity to lead a team of professional scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit in the collection of biological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program (YBFMP) and the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP).  The YBFMP conducts long-term monitoring of lower trophic levels, juvenile and adult fishes, hydrology, and water quality parameters in the Yolo Bypass; these data are critical for the management of Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, and winter-run Chinook Salmon and to measure success of restoration actions.  The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the data collection, reduction, analysis, management, and reporting for the YBFMP is fulfilled, and that related scientific investigations are conducted in response to monitoring findings, the needs of management, and in support of State Water Project operations, IEP, Incidental Take Permits, and Biological Opinions.  The incumbent will plan, organize, evaluate, and direct Aquatic Ecology Unit staff and activities, including administrative tasks such as preparation of annual budgets, management of internal and external contracts, and development and management of resource agreements necessary to implement the YBFMP and other essential DWR programs.  The incumbent should have a background in aquatic ecology (with knowledge of Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, and Chinook Salmon ecology), the Bay-Delta ecosystem, floodplain ecology, and fish management, monitoring, and conservation and will represent DWR on the IEP Science Management Team and other Project Work Teams as needed.  The incumbent will act as a technical resource for DWR staff, IEP partners, and other government agencies.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-471010
Position #(s):
840-360-0764-504
Working Title:
Unit Manager: Aquatic Ecology
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,538.00 - $13,100.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Division of Integrated Science and Engineering

Ecosystem Monitoring, Research, & Reporting Branch

Estuarine Science and Monitoring Section

Aquatic Ecology Unit

West Sacramento

 

Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature.  We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.

At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department.  Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect.  An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Department Website: https://water.ca.gov.

Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR’s Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.

Special Requirements

Possess a valid California driver’s license in order to drive to various field sampling locations.  Because some monitoring is conducted in open waters on a vessel, the incumbent must be able to: (1) function without incapacitation due to seasickness, (2) swim 50 yards, (3) stay afloat five minutes, and (4) move and transport 50 pounds.

 

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.  DWR is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety.

 

DWR offers a hybrid workplace model that is designed to support a workforce of both office-centered and remote-centered workers.  Regular and consistent attendance - whether office-centered or remote-centered - is essential to the successful performance in this position.

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: 4/7/2025

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 Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Certification Desk
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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 - Cover Letter.
  • Other - See Supplemental Questionnaire information under Special Instructions below.
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 leading dynamic teams; demonstrated record of communication with diverse audiences; strong coordination, organization, and project management skills; familiarity with budget planning and contract management; excellent verbal and writing skills, including authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed journal articles; advanced knowledge of aquatic ecology, the Bay-Delta ecosystem, floodplain ecology, fish management, monitoring, and conservation, and statistical analysis.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits.  Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees.  Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

 

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

 

Flexible Work Hours

Free Parking

Telework Opportunities

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement

Basic Group Term Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) & 457 plans

Student Loan Forgiveness

Long Term Care

Group Legal Services

 

We are located in West Sacramento right off Highway 50 close to shopping, grocery stores and restaurants.  Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.

 

Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Rikki Metcalf
(916) 701-7663
DISE_HR@water.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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
weo@water.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.

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), cover letter, and resume.  Please reference SAP Position #50061407 and Job Control #471010 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

 

This non-confidential Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant’s abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor position in the Division of Integrated Science and Engineering.  If there is a question regarding experience that you do not have, include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function.  Please limit your answers to one page per question.  

 

  1. Describe why you are interested in this position.
  2. Describe your experience leading teams in performing scientific studies and if/how the outcome of the studies applies to natural resource management.

 

The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

 

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

 

Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey.  This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Examination/Assessment

For more information about the State hiring process, click here.  To learn more about how to get a State job, click here.

 

List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.

 

Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link: 

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPV)

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