Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-498943
-
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 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: 1/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

Do you desire to support and conserve California's Chinook Salmon fisheries? Are you looking for a career in science based fisheries management? Do you have an interest in working with stakeholders and public? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking a motivated individual to join our dynamic team of scientists based in CDFW's Fisheries Branch.

Under the general direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor for the Fisheries Branch Anadromous Fisheries Program, the incumbent will provide leadership, coordination, and technical expertise for anadromous Chinook Salmon fisheries. The incumbent will act as liaison with Department programs, partner agencies, and stakeholders involved in commercial and recreational Chinook Salmon fisheries. The position will participate, develop, and facilitate Department and multi-stakeholder forums; provide technical and policy guidance; and coordinate development of management plans for Chinook Salmon fisheries. Incumbent will participate in the evaluation and management of Chinook Salmon sport fish hatcheries and ocean enhancement program. This position will represent the Department in development, review, and evaluation of anadromous Chinook Salmon sport fishing angling regulations. This position will require the evaluation and synthesis of complex data analyses and ability to communicate effectively in scientific, management, and public forums. Please refer to the Duty Statement for more detailed information on job duties and responsibilities.

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

 

Class Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)/Exam Bulletin

 

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

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard several hours a day. Involves sitting most of the time but may require walking or standing for brief periods. Attend meetings and hearings; work with Department staff and members of the public for implementation of SCP regulations and permits themselves. Must be able to assist with field work, sometimes involving walking through stream channels in waders, carrying heavy equipment to survey and/or sample locations, travelling on uneven dirt roads requiring 4-wheel drive, boat operation in both lake and river environments, and working extended hours/days, including night, weekend and holidays on occasion. Occasional overnight travel to reach some project and meeting locations. This position is eligible for telework consistent with current state and Department policies.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-498943
Position #(s):
565-033-0765-011
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,820.00 - $10,732.00
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:
Yolo 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

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid state Driver’s License. Occasional field site visits may be needed or assistance with other Fisheries Branch field work and travel to meetings.

• Up to 5% travel may be required to attend regional meetings throughout California.

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: 1/2/2026

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.
  • 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.

    Supplemental Questions must be no more than two pages in length, size 12 point Arial font. Answers to the supplemental questions and writing ability will be used as additional scoring criteria for interview selection.

    1. What is your experience related to monitoring, research, and management of commercial and/or recreational sport fisheries.

    2. What is your experience with collecting, managing, manipulating, and analyzing large sets of data.

    3. What is your experience related to coordination and collaboration with diverse partners, stakeholders, and/or public.

  • 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.

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:
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: A high degree of personal initiative, dependability, professionalism, and integrity is expected. Ability to assess situations concerning resource issues and make sound decisions independently. Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams to achieve a common goal. Demonstrates empathy and understanding of stakeholders’ interests. Ability to use creative thinking and adaptability in problem-solving. Maintain the confidence and cooperation of others by demonstrating competence and being dependable, flexible, and a problem solver. Interface with Department constituents and articulate policy and management in both formal and informal environments.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work independently and in a team setting. Ability to get along with diverse personalities while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Provides leadership in accomplishing the functions and objectives of the Anadromous Fisheries Program, and ability to collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders throughout the state. Communicates politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with members of the public, and demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills. Strong ability to work with people, identify, and assist in the development of partnerships.

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:
Daniel Kratville
(916) 902-9253
Daniel.Kratville@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 565-033-0765-011 and RPA Number E-FB 25-013 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