Job Posting: Zooplankton Imaging Scientist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-497278
-
Zooplankton Imaging Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 11/7/2025

Job Description and Duties

The Zooplankton Imaging Scientist is responsible for zooplankton processing including sorting, maintaining cultures, conducting microscope-based taxonomic classification, and sample pre-processing for analyses with a flow-imaging microscope (FlowCam). This position is also responsible for conducting image-sorting using classification modeling software and for providing expert taxonomic verification. The incumbent will serve as an expert on San Francisco Bay-Delta zooplankton taxonomy, ecology, and life histories as part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on methods development.

Essential functions include zooplankton analysis and digital imaging; data management, analysis and reporting; zooplankton culturing and identification; image classification and validation; and lab operations and interagency coordination.


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

 

Class Title: Environmental Scientist/Exam Bulletin

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

 

If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.

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

Use of a light microscope and/or a computer for several hours each day. Work position is primarily sitting but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Attending regular team meetings, training, and occasional regional travel may be required. The incumbent must possess a valid Driver License and be prepared to operate a state vehicle. Must maintain availability by telephone, chat, and/or email during business hours.

This position is located at the CDFW, Bay Delta Region office in Stockton, California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-497278
Position #(s):
565-323-0762-905
Working Title:
Zooplankton Imaging Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
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 Joaquin 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

Ability to work independently and in a team setting and maintain good working relationships. Communicates respectfully and clearly with colleagues, external partners and the public.

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. 

 

The selected candidate may be required to provide a copy of their Degree/Official Transcripts.

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: 11/7/2025

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 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.
  • Supplemental Application -

    A Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire 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:
Extensive experience and interest in laboratory processes and taxonomy of zooplankton. Desire and ability to develop and execute research projects in a multidisciplinary team with attention to detailed work and ability to act independently. Interest in estuarine ecology and zooplankton taxonomy, and a commitment to improve understanding of the ecology of the San Francisco Estuary. Possess or develop the ability to: accurately maintain, organize, and work with complex data sets; analyze and evaluate data, using a personal computer and software including Microsoft products, R, and Python. Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written presentations. Ability to work safely and perform duties accurately in differing work conditions including with samples preserved in formalin or ethanol under proper ventilation.

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:
Celeste Dodge
(209) 403-6935
celeste.dodge@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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

A Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in an incomplete application submission.

Please submit answers to the following two supplemental questions for the hiring manager’s review. Please provide a sample of your writing no more than two pages in length describing your experience, education and training in the following subjects. Please provide specific examples and explain your responses thoroughly. Your document should include your name in the upper right corner. Applicants who do not submit supplemental questions per these instructions may not be given further consideration. Resumes do not take the place of supplemental information.
1) Please describe your experience with and training in conducting scientific reporting, including presenting biological research, conducting literature reviews, developing lab protocols or methods documentation. In particular, highlight any experience with image analyses, the use of digital image libraries, classification models, and image-based model validation methods.
2) Please describe your education and training as it relates to the taxonomy, ecology, and life history of zooplankton of the San Francisco Bay and Estuary. Additionally, outline any experience you have performing taxonomic identification of zooplankton species and life stages.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-323-0762-905 and RPA Number E-R3 SO 25-009 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.

 

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete

 

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