Job Posting: Environmental Scientist, Wildlife Biologist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-537837
-
Environmental Scientist, Wildlife Biologist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,551.00 - $9,787.00 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: 11/17/2026

Job Description and Duties

The incumbent supports comprehensive habitat management and wildlife conservation activities on the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (GIWA). Duties include conducting wildlife surveys to assess species inventory, status, habitat use, production, population trends, and distribution. The position monitors wildlife populations associated with federal and State requirements, including the Federal Assistance (Pittman-Robertson) grant and listed species obligations. The incumbent coordinates with agencies, conservation groups, private landowners, and researchers to access lands and complete resource assessments, providing written reports to guide management actions.

Wildlife habitat management: The incumbent assists with mowing, noxious weed control, species eradication efforts, and the operation of water delivery systems to apply water for flood and irrigation cycles that support wetland habitat and benefit target wildlife species. The position provides biological expertise and best management practices for Suisun Marsh projects related to wildlife, vegetation, water, and threatened and endangered species. The incumbent develops geographic information system (GIS)/global positioning system (GPS) maps for habitat projects, vegetation, invasive species, public uses, and maintains digital resource data for the wildlife area. The role includes leading the creation and updating of Land Management Plans and representing CDFW in meetings related to land use, project development, and resource issues.

Hunting recreation: Includes coordinating regulations, guidelines, and hunter quotas; conducting elk hunter orientations and hunts; collecting biological samples from harvested game, assisting the Game Bird Heritage and Waterfowl Program with special hunt opportunities such as Junior Pheasant hunts; supporting waterfowl check station operations. The incumbent works closely with CDFW staff, volunteer land stewards, and hunters to ensure safe, equitable, and high quality hunting experiences.

The position represents CDFW policies and communicates wildlife management information to partner agencies including Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD), Department of Water Resources (DWR), San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commision (BCDC), United States Geological Survey (USGS), federal partners, private landowners, and Suisun Marsh Habitat Management, Preservation, and Restoration Plan (Suisun Marsh Plan; SMP) participants. The incumbent helps identify habitat projects and funding opportunities and collaborates with agencies on marsh wide resource issues.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Application packages (i.e., STD. 678, resume, and Statement of Qualifications) will be screened for writing quality, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Link to Class Title Exam: Environmental Scientist/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.

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

Working Conditions

Involves regularly working outside in inclement weather and harsh conditions. Areas include uneven terrain in various environments. Requires ability to operate and drive numerous types of field equipment, boats, kayaks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and 4x4 vehicles; use herbicides and application equipment; and use a computer and keyboard several hours a day. Complete field work as needed to evaluate wetland habitat and wildlife. Requires tolerating ticks and mosquitos. Routine work involves unusual hours and regular scheduling on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during hunting seasons, requiring the ability to change hours of work due to wildlife area activities.

Special Requirements: Requires physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes; and the ability to lift forty (40) pounds. Requires the possession of a valid driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD) on CDFW lands. Requires the ability to operate tractors, mowers, kayaks, John boat, or Whaler, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This position may require a pesticide Qualified Applicator Certification (QAC) within one year of hire. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. The employee is required to live in State-owned housing at GIWA based on the availability of move-in ready units at the time of hire, or as soon as a unit becomes available.

The designated headquarters location of this position is the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Complex in Suisun City, California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537837
Position #(s):
565-384-0762-004
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist, Wildlife Biologist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,551.00 - $6,337.00 A
$5,531.00 - $7,718.00 B
$7,000.00 - $9,787.00 C
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:
Solano County
Telework:
In Office
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

Requires physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes; and the ability to lift forty (40) pounds. Requires the possession of a valid driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD) on CDFW lands. Requires the ability to operate tractors, mowers, kayaks, John boat, or Whaler, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This position may require a pesticide Qualified Applicator Certification (QAC) within one year of hire. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. The employee is required to live in State-owned housing at GIWA based on the availability of move-in ready units at the time of hire, or as soon as a unit becomes available.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to act independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Able to perform activities both independently and collaboratively, take and provide direction, and demonstrate responsibility for decisions and actions.

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: 11/17/2026

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
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.

  • 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:
Working knowledge of wildlife area regulations and hunting programs; habitat management techniques and methods for fish, wildlife, plant, and special-status species; species eradication methods; water conveyance systems; and land management practices. Ability to identify waterfowl, wildlife, plant, and special-status species found at the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Complex.

Special Personal Characteristics: Working knowledge of federal and State permitting processes related to the management, restoration, and enhancement of wetland habitat and species, as well as plans and requirements associated with the Suisun Marsh. Ability to collaborate effectively with other State, federal, and county agencies to ensure implementation of the Suisun Marsh Plan, biological permits, and Suisun Marsh Preservation Agreement.

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:
Laureen Thompson
(209) 649-1061
Laureen.Thompson@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.

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.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skill, and training meet the minimum desirable qualifications to qualify for this position. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, in Arial 12-point font, and answer the following questions:
1. Describe your work experience and/or education conducting wildlife or habitat surveys and implementing on-the-ground habitat management actions (such as mowing, invasive species control, or water management). In your response, include examples of how you used survey results or habitat data to inform management decisions or improve habitat conditions.
2. Describe your work experience and/or education coordinating hunting programs, working with hunters, or supporting public recreation on natural resource lands. Discuss any roles you’ve had in setting regulations or quotas, conducting orientations, collecting biological samples, or assisting with special hunt opportunities (e.g., youth hunts, waterfowl check stations).
3. Describe your work experience working with multiple agencies, partners, or landowners on natural resource or land management projects. Describe your communication approach in meetings or public settings and summarize your experience preparing administrative documents such as reports, budgets, permits, or purchase requests. Include any experience supervising staff, volunteers, or seasonal employees.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-384-0762-004 and RPA Number E-R3 WA 26-004 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