Join the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s South Coast Habitat Conservation Planning Team! Are you passionate about conserving California’s fish and wildlife? Do you thrive on tackling complex environmental challenges with a dedicated, dynamic team? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is hiring a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as an independent liaison for Southern California Edison (SCE). This is a unique opportunity to support critical utility infrastructure projects while protecting Southern California’s diverse ecosystems.
As a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), you’ll help implement the Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Program, California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CDFW may be serving as the Lead or Responsible Agency under CEQA in order to issue permits. Key responsibilities include:
- Environmental Reviews: Analyze biological, environmental, and natural resource data to support CEQA, CESA, and LSA implementation particularly for SCE projects in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
- Document Preparation: Draft regulatory and compliance documents aligned with state environmental laws.
- Permitting & Compliance: Prepare and ensure compliance for LSA Agreements, CESA Incidental Take Permits, and Consistency Determinations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Respond to project inquiries and support coordination efforts across CDFW, SCE, other agencies, and the public.
Who We’re Looking For: We’re seeking a proactive, detail-oriented professional with: strong multitasking and project management skills; knowledge of biological and regulatory issues affecting wildlife and habitats; excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities; and a deep commitment to environmental conservation.
Make a real impact—help shape the future of California’s ecosystems while advancing your career with CDFW.
Link to Class Title Exam: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)/Exam Bulletin
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: Orange/Santa Barbara counties.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Office is located in the Seal Beach or Santa Barbara Office. Ability to use a computer keyboard and Microsoft office software for up to eight hours each day; complete office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking to other locations; participate in and coordinate meetings and conference calls. Attend, in person, site visits, meetings, and workgroups with stakeholders, and local, state, and federal agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura or San Diego counties. A minimum of 10% of travel and field site visits will be required. Must have the ability to walk on uneven, hilly terrain. As a condition of employment, the incumbent shall wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for the various work situations, such as field surveys and work with public interaction, within and outside the Region as required by the supervisor. Possession of driver’s license is required to drive a State vehicle where alternative transportation is not feasible within remote or rural areas.