Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-495178
-
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,556.00 - $10,221.00 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: 12/29/2025

Job Description and Duties

In search of qualified biologists interested in managing conserved lands for the benefit of California's native flora and fauna! The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Inland Deserts Region (IDR) Lands South Program is seeking an experienced biologist to work as a Senior Environmental Scientist at IDR Headquarters office located in Ontario, CA.

Under the direction of the Inland Deserts Region Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) leads efforts to assess, clean up, remediate, and restore ecological damage from cannabis cultivation and other illegal activities on CDFW-managed lands; develops and implements prevention strategies in coordination with law enforcement and regional partners; and contributes to statewide data systems to document, analyze, and report on restoration and stewardship outcomes. This position requires travel to remote sites using State vehicles and close collaboration across programs to ensure science-based, site-specific ecological recovery and protection.

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist): Exam Bulletin Link

This position is being re-advertised. If you previously applied, your application is being considered and you do not need to re-apply.

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

Working Conditions

This position involves a combination of fieldwork, office-based tasks, and public engagement including communicating via phone or e-mail to answer questions as well as giving presentations at public meetings. Field duties may include operating specialized equipment, conducting biological resource assessments, and working outdoors in variable weather and rugged terrain while carrying up to 30 lbs. Travel throughout the state up to 25% —including remote areas requiring up to 8 hours of driving—is expected, occasionally during non-standard hours. The incumbent will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, Sacramento-based and Regional staff, and the public via meetings, email, phone, and onsite interactions. Responsibilities also include attending and supporting challenging meetings, delivering public presentations, and using a computer for extended periods with intermittent standing or walking. A valid driver’s license is required. Uniforms may be mandated per CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for certain field and public-facing activities. A hybrid telework arrangement may be available in accordance with the Department's current Telework Policy.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-495178
Position #(s):
565-604-0765-010
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,556.00 - $10,221.00
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:
San Bernardino County
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

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: 12/29/2025

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.

     
    Provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in narrative form describing how your relevant experience, skills, and abilities qualifies you for the position outlined in the duty statement and Desirable Qualifications. SOQ must be no more than two (2) 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:
  • Special Personal Characteristics: Possess advanced technical knowledge of wildlife biology and ecology. Possess advanced coordination and communication skills and be organized and highly self-motivated. Have effective listening and negotiation skills and be able to facilitate collaboration in a technical setting. Willingness to engage in research activities
  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to successfully engage in teamwork, and a desire to coordinate with other staff with their technical and professional development. A sound degree of personal initiative, environmental and work ethic, and team orientation

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:
Richard Kim
(760) 518-1333
Richard.Kim@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 565-604-0765-010 and RPA Number E-R6 WR SB 25-007 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