Under the supervision of the Beaver Restoration Program Supervisor, the incumbent will assist the Beaver Restoration Program with implementation of beaver-assisted restoration projects to support ecosystem conservation, habitat restoration, species conservation, and improve climate change, drought, and wildfire resilience throughout California. Tasks include conducting pre-trapping beaver surveillance, live-trapping and transporting beavers to CDFW's husbandry facilities, daily animal care and pen cleaning during quarantine, assisting with beaver translocations and pre- and post-release monitoring of the ecosystem and translocated beavers, maintenance of equipment and animal husbandry facilities, data collection, entry, and management, as well as assisting the Judas Nutria Program, and Nutria Eradication and Beaver Restoration Units with image cataloguing in Wildlife Insights to improve the species identification algorithm for species commonly encountered in California’s wetland ecosystems. Duties may also include conducting beaver surveys throughout the state to help determine the current distribution of beavers in California.
The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.
The language below is required for these NT classifications.
• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.
• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.
• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.
• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.
• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Surveys and Monitoring, Beaver Trapping and Translocation, Captive Animal Care and Pen Maintenance, Data Collection and Management, and Maintain Equipment and Supplies.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of Department-owned vehicles and equipment. Assist with administrative tasks such as copying, filing, and mailing.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrated ability to work independently; excels in a collaborative setting; responds positively and proactively to challenges. Ability to think quickly and respond to fast-paced changing situations involving sensitive wildlife issues. Shows courtesy, respect, and tact towards others and wildlife. Highly dedicated and strongly self-motivated. Able to accurately collect, record, and/or analyze biological data in the field. Knowledge of wildlife and habitat survey protocols; watershed assessment techniques; wildlife handling and capture techniques. Ability to use computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS).
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to successfully engage, interact, and communicate with scientific staff, stakeholders, and diverse publics. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Additional Desirable Qualifications: Good driving record; additional coursework or experience in biological sciences; interest in and knowledge of fishing, hunting or studying fish, wildlife, invertebrates or plants; experience in camping, boating, and maintaining or repairing equipment; interest in a career in biology or fish and wildlife. Able to focus on long-involved tasks such as data entry and be willing to deal with dirt, mud, dead animals, animal blood/feces, and steps necessary to properly clean and store equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be willing to work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and most weekends due to the species involved (e.g., nighttime tracking, daily trap checks). Weekend work, statewide travel, and some camping in remote areas will be frequently required. Will interact with regional and headquarters staff, as well as landowners via e-mail, telephone, and in-person. Must attend occasional meetings, both virtually and in-person. Must wear a Department uniform. Field activities will involve strenuous physical activity and/or hiking long distances in variable weather conditions.
Workdays are limited to 189 days within a 12-month period.
