Job Posting: Core Lab-Nongame Scientific Aid

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-537825
-
Core Lab-Nongame 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: 11/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Have a passion for native wildlife and conservation? The CDFW Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL), based in Rancho Cordova near the American River, is seeking a self-motivated individual to be our next Core Lab-Nongame Scientific Aid. Come join our team!

Under supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the position is responsible for providing core laboratory and program support for nongame, threatened, and endangered species and wildlife health investigations in California. Position will provide veterinary technical support, disease and contaminant surveillance in affected species; necropsies and live animal processing; maintenance and storage of biological samples. Assist with the maintenance, migration, and management of data in WHL databases. Assist with field work that may include research, wildlife health monitoring, and disease surveillance; assist in physically handling wild animals during field projects, research, and the care and maintenance of live animals (e.g., mountain lion, beaver) held at the WHL animal holding facility.

See the Duty Statement for more information.

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

The language below is required for these NT classifications.

• 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 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.

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

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard in a sitting and/or standing position up to 8-hours a day. Must attend meetings; and interact with Department staff, agency partners, and members of the public via e-mail, telephone, and in-person. Must wear a uniform, as indicated. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Must possess a valid driver license. Ability to drive a state-issued 4x4 vehicle up to 8-hours at a time. Ability to conduct field work; fieldwork may involve strenuous physical activity for extended periods in rough terrain and inclement weather. Travel required up to 20% of the time statewide.
Willingness to work long, irregular hours as needed (i.e., early morning, evening, weekend).

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537825
Position #(s):
565-035-0835-905
Working Title:
Core Lab-Nongame 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:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
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 receive pre-exposure rabies vaccine and/or provide proof of rabies vaccination with
adequate titer or within 3 months of hire.
* Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
* Possess valid driver license. Ability to drive a 4x4 vehicle for up to 8-hours.

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: 11/15/2026

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
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.
  • 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:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and team setting with open-mindedness,
flexibility, and tact.
- Shows courtesy, respect and tact towards co-workers and members of the public.
- Good time management skills. Excellent organizational skills.
- Follow directions precisely. Demonstrated ability to conduct work thoroughly with attention to detail.
- Willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work.
- Knowledge of the computer programs “Word”, “Excel”, “Access” preferred.

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:
Victoria Monroe
(916) 856-8335
Victoria.Monroe@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

A Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in an incomplete application submission.

Provide brief letter (1-page max) that includes response to the following supplemental questions information.

1. Describe your training / experience with basic scientific data collection, analysis, and data quality control.
2. Describe your training / experience with live animal care, handling and/or restraint in the field, lab, related setting.
3. Describe your training / experience with necropsies and biological sample processing in a field, lab, or clinical setting.
4. This position is anticipated to run for 24 months. Continuous availability during this period is an essential operational requirement of the assignment. Are you available to work during the full anticipated assignment period?

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-035-0835-905 and RPA Number E-WLB 26-009 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