Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-515876
-
Environmental 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: 5/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) welcomes applications for an Environmental Scientist to join a team that is focused on coastal salmonid restoration, recovery, and management. This position will coordinate, collaborate, and provide support to CDFW counterparts and federal and non-governmental partners working on salmonid conservation along the California coast. The work is focused on salmonid recovery, with an emphasis on Coho Salmon, in streams and rivers spanning from Mendocino County in the south to the Oregon border in the north. The incumbent to this job will be a member of Northern Region's Coastal Fisheries Program as well as the statewide CDFW North Coast Salmon Project. They will have the opportunity to work with diverse partners on multiple aspects of salmon recovery with a particular emphasis on restoration planning.

This position is located in the Fortuna Office at 1455 Sandy Prairie Court, Suite J, Fortuna, CA 95540. While most of the work of this position is conducted from an office setting, the incumbent in this position will also participate in site visits to coastal watersheds, which may include some overnight travel. Site visits often provide opportunity to observe restoration techniques being applied in coastal streams to improve ecosystem function, and which ultimately benefit salmon and steelhead. The work of this position may involve some in-state travel for meetings, workshops and conferences. This position is a great opportunity for a well-trained, enthusiastic, and outgoing candidate to engage in North Coast anadromous salmonid conservation efforts.

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

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

Working Conditions

Must be able to conduct office work involving use of a computer keyboard for several hours a day, usually sitting, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Attend off-site meetings and field visits which require travel and occasional overnight stays and may include night, weekend, or holiday work. Use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available. Work will include operating a 4-wheel drive pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle on uneven dirt roads and use of all-terrain vehicle when necessary. Work with varied staff statewide to complete work assignments. Participation in field work can involve long days working in inclement weather, ability to work in remote locations to conduct biological surveys in habitats that support wildlife, poison oak, and biting insects, hiking long distances, or lifting and carrying heavy objects. Ability to elevate and carry 40 pounds. Ability to swim, wade, kayak, and snorkel in rivers and streams 5-8 hours a day. Wear formal and informal uniform on occasion.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-515876
Position #(s):
565-141-0762-043
Working Title:
Environmental 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:
Humboldt 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: 5/6/2026

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.
  • 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.

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:
Ideally, the successful candidate will possess the following desirable qualifications:

1. Education in biological or environmental science, preferably with coursework in fishery biology, aquatic ecology, applied fluvial geomorphology, population dynamics, biostatistics, and conservation policy.

2. Strong interest in and knowledge of the structure and function of California coastal watersheds, especially as related to salmonid production.

3. High level of understanding and appreciation for balancing fish conservation objectives with fishery management.

4. Strong communication skills, demonstrated ability to work both independently and in team settings, and a high desire to engage in collaboration.

5. Strong analytical skills, including competence with spreadsheets, databases, GIS, and statistical and modeling software.

6. Ability to maintain the confidence and cooperation of others by demonstrating competence and by being engaged, dependable, and accessible.

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:
Trevor Tollefson
(707) 834-0626
trevor.tollefson@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.

Statement of Qualifications

In addition to each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, written responses to the following Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) items will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate. The response must be titled and include the candidate’s name at the top of the first page, written in 12-point font, and no more than two pages.

1. Please explain why you are interested in this position, and what makes you a competitive candidate for the job.

2. This position requires extensive communication and collaboration both within the Department and with outside partners. Please describe your experience communicating and collaborating with staff from local, state and federal agencies, tribes, private landowners, environmental groups, and the general public, and what personal qualities and work habitats you think are important for effective communication and collaboration to occur.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-141-0762-043 and RPA Number E-R1 F 25-034 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.

 

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.

 

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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