Job Posting: Environmental Scientist, Whale Safe Fisheries

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-511745
-
Environmental Scientist, Whale Safe Fisheries
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: 4/1/2026

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for a creative, committed, and skilled individual to join the Whale Safe Fisheries Project. This project was formed to develop management strategies that minimize large whale and sea turtle entaglement risk in California stated managed fixed gear fisheries.

This position will assist in the implementation of Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program aimed at reducing whale and sea turtle entanglements with fishing gear in the Dungeness Crab fishery, including the authorization of alternative fishing gear. The incumbent will also work as a team member to implement a Conservation Plan to support an application for a federal Incidental Take Permit, support Department representatives on the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, and coordinate with Federal partners, academics and non-governmental organizations. Other tasks include support of various lost fishing gear recovery efforts, analysis and implementation of changes to state managed fisheries that reduce whale and sea turtle entanglements and preparation of regulatory documents consistent with Marine Life Management Act and California Environmental Quality Act. There will also be opportunities for field work including aerial and vessel surveys for large whales and sea turtles.

The following office locations will be considered for this position - Monterey and Santa Rosa.


Link to Environmental Scientist Exam: CalCareers


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

Working Conditions

Ability to work in an office and collaborate with team staff dispersed around California. Required travel, including weekends, is required within and outside the state of California via private or public transportation. Travel of up to 10% may include multiple day overnight stays up to seven days. Some field work, including aboard aircraft and vessels working at sea may be required. Must follow all safety protocols when operating department equipment and vehicles.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-511745
Position #(s):
565-772-0762-109
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist, Whale Safe Fisheries
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $9,321.00
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:
United States
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: 4/1/2026

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. 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 (PO Box)
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.
  • Other - Supplemental Questionnaire - Please briefly describe your practical experience with the following:

    1) Professional experience in marine science or natural resource management
    2) Experience working with a group of stakeholders on complex management issues
    3) Experience drafting reports to inform change for fisheries management
    4) Experience leading or developing projects aimed at answering scientific or fishery management questions
    5) Experience conducting quantitative analyses using fishery independent or dependent data
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:

Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in marine sciences and/or fisheries management, quantitative data analysis, have proficiency statistical software, as well as the ability to apply innovative approaches to complex resource management issues.

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, self-motivated, is dependable and reliable, retains flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and goals. Critically problem solve and manage time well while conducting multiple tasks. Prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate work products in a timely manner with input from the team. Able to effectively communicate professional both verbally and in writing and negotiate with various stakeholder groups that hold diverse opinions and viewpoints. Able to maintain a professional decorum at all times.

Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, self-motivated, detail oriented, is dependable and reliable, retains flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and goals. Critically problem solve and manage time well while conducting multiple tasks. Prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate papers and work products in a timely manner with input from the team.

Interpersonal Skills: Able to effectively communicate professionally both verbally and in writing and negotiate with various stakeholder groups that hold diverse opinions and viewpoints.

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:
Ryan Bartling
(415) 238-2638
Ryan.Bartling@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 565-772-0762-109 and RPA Number E-R7 MR 25-035 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