Job Posting: Gray Wolf Specialist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533109
-
Gray Wolf 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: 10/7/2026

Job Description and Duties

The North Central Region (NCR) is seeking experienced Gray Wolf biologists to join our wildlife Program. In the past 5 years, the Gray wolf has expanded its range into the Region. This position will be responsible for monitoring and tracking the changing geographic range of gray wolves in the NCR, assisting members of the public and partner agencies with predator deterrents and preparedness, incident response when conflicts occur, and livestock management strategies to prevent future losses. This biologist is expected to live and work in the communities that we serve to provide the best stewardship of the State's wildlife resources.

Under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the incumbent has shared lead responsibilities as a regional gray wolf specialist, including capturing and tracking gray wolves; surveying and monitoring wolf populations; investigating and evaluating potential wolf-livestock depredation events; providing proactive coordination, outreach, and support with various affected parties to minimize wolf-livestock conflicts and improve public understanding of wolf ecology, conservation and management; and coordinating with other researchers to investigate the ecological relationships between wolves, ungulates, and other carnivores in CDFW’s  North Central Region. These activities are of regional and statewide importance and occur on federal lands, private timberlands, private rangelands, and other properties. Tasks include responsibility for the development and implementation of wolf monitoring and field investigations, data analysis, preparation of scientific and technical publications and presentations, and collaboration with other researchers. Incumbent will also participate in grant planning and management, and provide scientifically based advice to other programs, other regions, headquarters, and other organizations throughout California. The incumbent may be assigned lead responsibility for temporary employees assisting with project logistics, field surveys, and data analysis.

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.

Link to Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Exam: CalCareers

This position may be filled in the following counties: Sacramento, Plumas, Sierra, Butte, Nevada, El Dorado, Yuba.

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

This is a position that may be 100% fieldwork/telework based. Must be willing to work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, occasionally in inclement weather conditions. Incumbent shall expect varied and responsive work hours. Ability and willingness to hike several miles alone in steep uneven terrain, safely operate 4-wheel drive (4WD) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) off paved roads, fly in small aircraft to conduct field surveys of wolves, other wildlife, and wildlife habitats. Required travel up to 80% throughout north-central California and occasionally to other regions of California, with regular camping in informal campgrounds. Incumbent must comply with a policy that generally prohibits dogs and other pets in the workplace / field / vehicles unless approved through reasonable accommodation. Ability to use a computer keyboard in a sitting and/or standing position several hours per day. Must be able to qualify to use a firearm (for chemical immobilization of wildlife); must complete mandatory wildlife capture training and firearms training within 6 months of hire. Must feel comfortable with potential close contact with confined or restrained wolves and other wildlife. This position is required to wear the prescribed uniform on certain occasions. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for the operation of motor vehicles in California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533109
Position #(s):
565-281-0765-905
Working Title:
Gray Wolf 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:
2
Work Location:
United States
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

  • Ability to lift items up to 40 lbs.
  • 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: 10/7/2026

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.

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.

    Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. Failure to include and complete the SOQ will result in disqualification for interview. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.

    Statement of Qualifications describing specific examples of the applicant's wolf experience relevant to the Duty Statement is required and should be no more than two pages, double spaced, size 12 point Arial Font. 

  • 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.

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:

The successful candidate will bring experience in scientific research, wolf depredation investigations, and large carnivore field research. We are also looking for candidates with experience with public speaking and community outreach to help build relationships in communities dealing with wolves for the first time in over a century.

Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing; demonstrated ability to act independently; ability to positively interact with private landowners, government agencies, and the general public. A thorough working knowledge of wolf conservation and Department action is required, including local, regional, and statewide resource issues and current non-lethal tools, methods, and applications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Topics discussed are frequently sensitive and highly controversial. Work collaboratively within a team setting.

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:
Ryan Leahy
(916) 809-3512
Ryan.Leahy@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 565-281-0765-905 and RPA Number E-R2 W 26-001 to 002 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