Do you want to to help preserve California's native wildlife in the work you perform every day? The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Northern Region is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Scientific Aid out of the Redding Headquarter's office conducting surveys for the rare and elusive Sierra Nevada red fox.
The successful candidate will gain valuable experience working independently and as part of a small team in mountainous conditions, driving all terrain and 4-wheel drive vehicles, hiking on and off-trail, searching for and collecting fox scats, setting up and monitoring trail cameras, and collecting related environmental data.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Non-invasive genetic sampling: Surveying Lassen Volcanic National Park and the surrounding area for Sierra Nevada red fox scats. Work would generally include hiking on and off-trail searching for fox scats in suitable habitat.
Trail camera monitoring: Survey for red foxes and other mesocarnivores by setting up, checking, and re-provisioning passive camera stations along a trail system.
Data collection/review/entry: Collect environmental data at field sites. Collect, process, and label field samples. Download photographic images and other electronic data to a laptop or desktop computer. Review and identify wildlife in photographic images. Enter field data into an MS Excel database.
Please refer to the Duty Statement for specific duties and functions.
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.
Work is primarily in the southern Cascade Range on lands managed by Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most work will be conducted in the field, generally within montane habitats at elevations of 5,000-10,000 feet. Outdoor work will occur during all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind. The field environment supports native wildlife, biting insects, steep slopes, and other hazards. Accessing some work sites may require 10-15 miles of solitary hiking during a workday. Work irregular hours to travel and perform field work throughout the study area; some overnight camping may be required. Willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform. Willingness to work regularly with malodorous scent lures. Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required to operate State vehicles.
Special equipment required: Daily = 4-wheel drive vehicle, all-terrain-vehicle, GPS, satellite communicator/emergency locator, specialty field survey equipment, computer.
The typical work schedule is weekdays, 8-10 hours per day. However, the work schedule may vary, and workdays may include some weekends and holidays. Maximum of 1500 paid hours or 189 paid days in 12 consecutive months.
