Job Posting: Wildlife Area Biologist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-478081
-
Wildlife Area Biologist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 6/4/2025

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW),  is seeking motivated candidates for a Limited Term Environmental Scientist to support our biological program on the historic 9,200 acre Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This position is part of a large team that manages the day to day operation of the wildlife area. This position will be a 12-month limited term with the possibility of extending it to 24 months or becoming permanent.

This Environmental Scientist position will collaborate with various agencies and stakeholders throughout the region to develop written concepts, project proposals, work plans, and detailed budgets for implementing complex, scientifically based resource assessment projects (surveys, long-term monitoring, and applied research) for wetland-dependent and special status species, and their associated habitats. This position will also work collaboratively with the area's habitat staff to develop and implement annual works plans to ensure Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is contributing significantly to habitat goals and objectives stated within the Central Valley Joint Venture Implementation Plan. Furthermore, the incumbent will work with the Area Manager and conservation organizations to identify habitat enhancement projects on the area, identify project funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and manage/supervise project implementation. Lastly, the position will stay current on all related peer-reviewed science publications and disseminate data and information to area staff, as well as assist in the training of new and/or non-biological staff on current wildlife issues.

Under close supervision of Senior Environmental Scientist (Area Manager), the incumbent will be an aquatic and terrestrial-based scientist working on the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and other staffed lands within the North Central Region’s Wildlife Area Complex. The goals of this position are to develop, facilitate, and participate in the implementation of the management plan(s) for the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and other areas in the North Central Region’s Wildlife Area Complex.  

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Environmental Scientist: CalCareers

This position is posted in the following counties: Butte County & Sutter County. You only need to apply to one county.

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

This position will be required work atypical hours, on weekends and holidays, respond to public inquiries and emergency situations, at all hours of the day or night, work in adverse weather and unstable terrain, and be willing and capable of handling live animals, carcasses, and conduct simple tissue sampling and necropsies. Occasional travel is required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include overnight stay. The percentage of travel time varies throughout the year but may be up to 100% of the time during certain weeks. Must be able to deploy with short notice for extended periods (up to 7 days) that may include overnight stay. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License for the operation of motor vehicles in California at time of hire. The position is not telework eligible, and no public transportation is available to the remote work location. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform consistent with Department policy will be required as a condition of employment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-478081
Position #(s):
565-284-0762-905
Working Title:
Wildlife Area Biologist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sutter 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

The incumbent may be required to travel long distances over uneven terrain in areas that are inaccessible by vehicle and move up to 50 pounds.

This position requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License. Must maintain a clean driving record. The selected candidate may 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: 6/4/2025

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. 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.

    Please complete answers in two pages or less, per question, size 12 point Arial font:

    1. Having reviewed the duty statement for this position, please outline how your education and background makes you a competitive candidate for this position.  

    2. Please explain the importance of hunting and fishing to the future of conservation of native and naturalized populations of wildlife.

    3. How would you design a native game species monitoring program for the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area?  Please identify the key elements and your approach in implementation of the program.

    4. What are the major non-biological factors that influence waterfowl hunter participation and total harvest rates of waterfowl in California?

  • 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.

  • Other -

    Three (3) professional references are required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include three (3) professional references 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:

We are seeking candidates that are motivated with a positive attitude and willingness to collaborate as part of a team. Experience with mapping, data analysis software and programs, and a background in wetland/upland ecology would be beneficial. Candidates should have an understanding of habitat restoration, as well as experience working with or around mechanical equipment including spray equipment and heavy equipment.  

Will include completing time sheets, mileage logs, travel expense claims and any other administrative paperwork associated with the day-to-day operations of the area on appropriate forms and on time, and other administrative duties, as needed, to complete tasks associated with the maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment on the area.

Must be honest, trustworthy, and reliable. Good driving record; knowledge of fishing, hunting, outdoors or studying fish, wildlife, invertebrates, or plants; boating and maintaining or repairing equipment. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Qualified Applicators Certificate, issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for application of pesticides in California.

Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; be able to work well in a team environment; and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers, clients, vendors, and outside agencies.

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:
Tim Hermansen
(530) 846-7500
Tim.Hermansen@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 565-284-0762-905 and RPA Number E-R2 WA 24-028 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