Job Posting: Native Plant Program CESA Specialist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-533581
-
Native Plant Program CESA 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: 10/8/2026

Job Description and Duties

The mission of the Native Plant Program (NPP) is to champion California's botanical diversity and protect native plants from extinction in the wild. NPP coordinates statewide conservation activities for plants that are native to California and for plants designated as rare, threatened, or endangered pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) or the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA). California hosts approximately 6,500 species, subspecies and varieties of plants that occur naturally in the state, and many of these are found nowhere else in the world.

The Native Plant Program is hiring one California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Specialist! The incumbent will work independently and as part of a team to provide high level scientific, technical, and policy expertise to support the conservation, management, and monitoring of plant species listed under the California Endangered Species Act and the Native Plant Protection Act. In this role, the incumbent will lead complex scientific analyses to support emergency listings and provisional candidate determinations under CESA, as well as CESA listing petitions, status reviews, five-year species reviews, recovery planning efforts, and scientific, educational, and management permitting. The incumbent will also support native plant conservation through a variety of Program efforts which may include collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing biological, ecological, and spatial data; developing regulations, permits, environmental review documents, and policy recommendations; and utilizing GIS and other analytical tools to advance Program objectives.

Come join us in this exciting and important plant conservation work!

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.


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 (Specialist)


This position may be located in the following counties: Yolo and Sacramento County.

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

Working Conditions

The position requires the use of a computer for several hours each day; the completion of office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking to other locations; attendance at meetings both in-person and virtually. The position may require field work. A valid California’s Driver’s license is required in order to drive to project sites and may require travel of up to three or more hours each way including overnight travel, early mornings and late nights; hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain and use of an ATV; work in inclement weather. The position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as CDFW staff. This position is office-centered and allows for an in-office/telework hybrid work schedule and in-office attendance may change based on operational need. Currently program staff work 4 days in office with the option for one telework day. The headquarters office building is located in West Sacramento, Yolo County, with free parking.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533581
Position #(s):
565-039-0765-108
Working Title:
Native Plant Program CESA 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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, 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

Experience conducting scientific research related to California's native plant species and ecosystems. Able to apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve difficult technical problems, and effectively present recommendations and information. Demonstrated ability to act independently, work on teams, and work effectively with individuals of differing backgrounds, opinions, and skill levels. Able to conduct fieldwork in adverse weather conditions, hike over rugged terrain, and drive and travel to field sites or meetings up to three or more hours each way. Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

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: 10/8/2026

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
HRB Drop-Off Address (Exams)
Human Resources
715 P Street, 16th Floor Suite 300
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Supplemental Application -

    A Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire 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:
• Experience managing a diverse suite of projects simultaneously
• Experience with technical report writing and developing recommendations
• Knowledge or experience related to the California Endangered Species Act, California Native Plant Protection Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, and California Environmental Quality Act
• Experience partnering or working with diverse groups of interested parties and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills
• Open-minded, retains mental flexibility, and high emotional intelligence. Navigates complex and contentious issue with diplomacy and tact.

Candidates who do not meet every desirable qualification are encouraged to apply.

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:
Cristin Walters
(916) 720-1234
cristin.walters@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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

To be considered for this position, the supplemental questionnaire is mandatory to be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed and no more than 2 pages in length, using Arial or Times New Roman size 12 pt. font and normal margins. Your experience in each area can be from school, work, as a volunteer or as an intern.

1. Please explain why you are interested in this position and what makes you a competitive candidate.

2. Please describe your experience with and knowledge of the native plants of California.

3. Please describe your experience with and knowledge of California State and Federal laws and regulations related to native plant conservation or protection. Describe any experience you have evaluating impacts of legislation, laws, regulations, or policies.

Note: Applications received without completely responding to each supplemental question will not be considered. Please include your name on your supplemental questions. Resumes, letters and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the supplemental questionnaire.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-039-0765-108 and RPA Number E-HCPB 26-002 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.

 

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

 

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

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