Job Posting: Reserve Naturalist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-476795
-
Reserve Naturalist
FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

$17.73 - $21.04 per Hour

Final Filing Date: 5/20/2025

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is seeking a Scientific Aid to serve a role as a Reserve Naturalist and help us continue our work to connect students and the public with the wonders of wetlands, woodlands, and the world around them. This position engages with the public and kids of all ages to help them learn about the local natural communities and history of the Reserve. If you’re a people-person who loves engaging diverse communities in conservation actions, we’d be honored if you considered applying!
The Reserve Naturalist handles daily interaction with visitors and delivers the K-12 education programs.
Duties include:
Daily opening and closing of the Visitor Center, greeting guests and orienting them to the Reserve trails while sharing natural history of the Reserve and the work of CDFW.
Interpretive/Field: Assist in the development and implementation of interpretive program material for estuarine, freshwater, oak woodland, and grassland habitats. Deliver interpretive presentations and walking tours for the public. Orient the public to the Reserve trails and make suggestions for their visit. Help with on-site public events. Assist Reserve staff with field work on as needed basis.
K-College Education: Deliver Reserve education programs to visiting school groups.
Outreach: Participate in off-site events
Behind the scenes: Maintain Visitor Center exhibits. Communicate with teachers. Assist with trail maintenance. Maintain the entrance and public areas to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Office work: Copy and distribute materials, packets, mailings. Data entry. Monitor and maintain program supplies and equipment. Perform other duties supporting Reserve goals as needed.


The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.
• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.
• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.
• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.
• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.


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

Working Conditions

This is a part time (3-4 days/week) position located in the Reserve Visitor Center. Time is split between front desk and delivering outdoor education programs, field work and maintenance work around the facilities. Requires the ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and walk over uneven outdoor terrain. Must be willing to wear a uniform when interacting with the public.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-476795
Position #(s):
565-461-0835-905
Working Title:
Reserve Naturalist
Classification:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID
$17.73 - $21.04
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Monterey County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent

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

• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. without assistance
• Ability to lead school groups on 2-4-mile hikes

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: 5/20/2025

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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.
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:
• Course work in a science related field with strong communication courses or an environmental education or interpretation science classes
• Knowledge of local ecology, biology and environmental topics
• One year or more experience engaging children (K-6 grade) in outdoor environmental education
• Ability to work well independently and as a team member
• Comfortable with sharing workstations and resources with other staff, volunteers, and interns
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain positive behaviors and attitudes
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Strong skills with Microsoft Office programs and willingness to learn additional computer skills as needed
• One year or more experience with science courses and/or science curriculum
• Experience working with schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz or San Benito counties is a plus
• Familiarity and/or direct skills with graphic design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

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:
John Battistoni
(599) 978-3595
john.battistoni@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 565-461-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R4 WB 24-006 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