This position is a special and unique opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful watersheds in the state of California, studying and enhancing salmon and steelhead populations primarily in the Eel River and watersheds of the Mendocino Coast. Work is related to state and federal Endangered Species Act listed stocks and management of valued fisheries for the state and tribes on the North Coast. Promoting collaboration with partners in order to leverage collective resources is encouraged. This position stands to make a positive and real difference for trust resources and those that value them. Under the general guidance of the Coastal Fisheries Environmental Program Manager, the incumbent supervises the Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program. The Program includes a broad suite of monitoring, assessment, restoration, and regulatory activities in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. These activities include monitoring and assessment of fish life history, fish distribution, recovery, permitting, ecosystem assessment, restoration planning, and annual sportfish regulations. This position will oversee or support various aquatic resource plans, restoration and monitoring plans, and several monitoring and assessment activities related specifically to the Eel River and potential dam removal. The incumbent manages a complex budget, helps develop and manage large scale ecosystem assessments, and develops and manages complex contracts or grants with ecological scope. As such the position entails significant grant/contract writing and management responsibilities. This includes planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of development and implementation of detailed and watershed-specific monitoring and research programs for salmon, steelhead, and other trout populations. Responsibilities are varied and include analyzing complex environmental issues, requiring a high level of personal initiative in the application of sound scientific methods and ecological principles to natural resource assessment, management, planning and habitat restoration activities. Incumbent will represent the Department in dealings with local, State and federal governmental agencies, Tribal partners, conservation groups and private landowners. Area of geographic responsibility includes all nine Northern California counties that make up the Northern Region, however duties will be largely focused in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. Performance of specified duties requires a comprehensive knowledge of administrative procedures, Department policies, applicable environmental law, and complex ecological principals. Contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive and involve a wide degree of interests. The level of consequence of error in applying the best available scientific knowledge, technical information, and policy may have highly significant and adverse consequences. The incumbent handles personnel issues appropriate of the supervisor classification.
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 (Supervisory)
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.
This position may be filled in the following counties: Humboldt or Mendocino county.
This position can be headquartered in Fortuna, Arcata, or Fort Bragg.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Ability to use a computer and standard Microsoft Office software. Use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle and all-terrain vehicles. Spend approximately 80% of time indoors attending meetings, processing emails, phone calls, and documents; spend the other approximate 20% of time outdoors in rugged terrain, hot and freezing conditions, experience biting insects, and some overnight camping. Attend meetings and hearings, work with staff statewide to complete work assignments. Frequent travel is required up to, but not limited to, 5 days per month, based on business needs. Work overtime as necessary. Wear a prescribed uniform as required.
