Job Posting: Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533021
-
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

$18.26 - $21.67 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for a rewarding career working with a dynamic team focusing on fisheries monitoring?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), North Central Region is seeking motivated candidates for a Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid opening in the Fisheries Restoration and Reintroduction Unit. This position will be based out of the North Central Region headquarters in Rancho Cordova, with the majority of the fisheries monitoring taking place in the North Yuba River, near Downieville.

Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid will support the North Yuba River Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Reintroduction Program operations. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with salmon monitoring in the Yuba River, including operation of rotary screw traps, egg boxes, hydraulic egg injectors, fry emergent traps, radio and acoustic telemetry equipment, and other sampling equipment; as well as conducting snorkel and telemetry surveys. May work under the lead of Environmental Scientists.

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

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• 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.

This position may be filled in the following counties: Sacramento, Yuba, Nevada, and Sierra counties.

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

Working Conditions

Will work outdoors in all weather conditions, in and around cold and fast-moving water, and on uneven terrain. Will be required to travel up to 90% to different work locations on the Yuba River utilizing a state vehicle. Will regularly operate state vehicles, boats, and trailers. May be required to obtain a California Boater Card. May be required to work weekends and holidays. A uniform and appropriate safety gear will be required to be worn daily. Workspace will be provided in an office/warehouse as necessary and appropriate. This position will be based out of the Rancho Cordova office and will require frequent travel in a State vehicle to the North Yuba River, near Downieville, CA. NO STATE HOUSING IS AVAILABLE.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533021
Position #(s):
565-241-0835-905
Working Title:
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
Classification:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID
$18.26 - $21.67
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
5
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent

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

  • Ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes; maintain good physical condition; elevate 40 pounds; work outdoors in various weather conditions; work in and around water (including wading and snorkeling).
  • 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: 10/6/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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
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
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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.

    To be considered for an interview, please submit a response to the following question with your application. This information will be used in conjunction with the interview to assist the interview panel in determining the most qualified candidate. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below may not be considered. Please limit your answer to no more than two pages, 12-point Arial font, and double spaced.  Included in your response, please provide the name and telephone number of a reference who can speak to the work you described.

    1) After reviewing the duty statement for this position, explain the knowledge, experience, and qualifications that you would bring to this position. 

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:

• Aptitude for fish and wildlife conservation work, construction, repair, and maintenance work; ability to operate boats and tow trailers; willingness to travel to perform field work throughout the State; and willingness to work irregular hours and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

 • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, get along well with others, and work both independently and in a team environment; have keenness of observation; and be reliable. Ability to interact with the public and maintain a high level of professional integrity.

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:
Michelle Forsha
(916) 618-3376
Michelle.Forsha@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 565-241-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R2 F 26-004 to 008 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.

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