Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-526332
-
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: 8/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in helping protect large areas of habitat in Central California? This position might be for you! Your primary task will be to assist CalMat Co. DBA Vulcan Materials Company Western Division (Vulcan) with preserving species and their habitats through the Conservation and Mitigation Banking process. Specifically, you would be responsible for preparing, permitting, tracking, reviewing, editing, and commenting on conservation and mitigation banks, reviewing bank property real estate documents, and conducting due diligence reviews of entities holding or managing bank property. Other tasks include the permitting of Vulcan’s development projects throughout the state including Lake and Streambed Alteration permitting; California Endangered Species Act early consultation and issuance of Incidental Take Permits; and California Environmental Quality Act review. The incumbent will independently identify problems, develop courses of action, perform sensitive scientific investigations for complex development projects, and act as a technical lead person for scientists conducting similar work. Duties also include providing technical support, conducting mitigation negotiations, developing procedures, guidelines and standards, developing regional approaches and positions in coordination with headquarters staff, and supporting other program staff through mentoring and cross-training. This work includes early pre-consultation, education, and outreach efforts, to proactively address potential project issues with Vulcan for a more expedited and efficient environmental review process.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

 

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

 

Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR.

 

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

 

Link to Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Class Title Exam: CalCareers

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

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

Ability to use a computer keyboard for several hours each day; use of Microsoft Office software up to eight hours each day; complete office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking; attend meetings and video conference calls. The position will require field work. Driving may require travel of up to three or more hours each way including overnight travel up to 20 nights per year. Work schedules may include early mornings and late nights; hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain and use a 4-wheel drive or other All-Terrain Vehicle; and work in inclement weather. The position may require the incumbent to wear an official uniform for identification purposes.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-526332
Position #(s):
565-431-0765-905
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:
Fresno County
Telework:
Hybrid
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

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will 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 transcripts (may be unofficial).

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: 8/6/2026

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.

  • 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. Please submit a cover letter drafted in your own words.

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:
Conscientious, positive, reliable, responsible, organized, and enthusiastic; strong initiative and adaptable; strategic thinker; ability to multi-task; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact; ability to lead discussions with CDFW staff and other professionals; and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Consistently applies the best available scientific information and accurate analysis. This includes innovative solutions for difficult environmental management problems and new methodologies and scientific application to aid management in policy formation and implementation. Effectively manages time through goal setting, prioritization and work planning. Manages overtime in accordance with labor agreements and direction of management.
Effective written and verbal communication skills; persuasive communication abilities; ability to build and maintain positive relationships; builds trust through honest communication and actions; strives to listen to others and understand their interests, concerns, and ideas; works independently and as part of a team; interacts effectively with others to achieve goals.
Work both independently and as part of a team; communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary; demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills. Effectively facilitate and resolve conflicts at lowest possible level. Ability to follow direction from superiors and work cooperatively with other CDFW program staff, and federal, State, and non-governmental organization partners; communicate effectively with superiors and coworkers. Strong interpersonal skills are highly desirable.

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:
Carrie Gragg
(559) 538-4110
carrie.gragg@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 565-431-0765-905 and RPA Number E-R4 ES 26-001 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.

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

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Instructions

To be considered for this position, you must provide responses to the following. Please include your name on your supplemental questions and limit your response to 2 pages in length using 12-point Arial font.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

1. After reviewing the duty statement for this position, please explain in your own words what makes you a competitive candidate and what you hope to bring to the position, if selected.

2. Please describe your professional experience with or knowledge of California's sensitive biological resources.

3. This position requires communicating and interacting with CDFW staff, CalMat Co. DBA Vulcan Materials Company Western Division, and other state and federal agencies. Please describe your experience working cooperatively with internal staff, development project proponents, other state and/or federal agencies, and the public and/or non-governmental organizations.

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