Job Posting: Avian Specialist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-289931
-
Avian Specialist
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,336.00 - $9,126.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 3/2/2022

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) is looking for a qualified applicant to serve as the state lead for the conservation and recovery of California's native bird species. We are looking for someone who is passionate about California’s avian diversity and is willing to work hard to ensure it is conserved for future generations. If this sounds you, we’d love for you to join our team! This important position is responsible for providing direction, guidance, and technical expertise to the Department's statewide wildlife conservation programs, and functions as a statewide lead for the conservation and recovery of high priority native nongame birds and their habitats. The incumbent will serve as a department representative on interagency teams, technical working groups, and policy teams focused on northern spotted owls, California condors, bald and golden eagles, tricolored blackbirds, yellow-billed cuckoos, snowy plovers, bank swallows, and other species of concern. The incumbent may apply for and administer grants supporting bird research and management and is also responsible for assessing the status of, and supporting recovery efforts for bird species of special concern, fully protected species, and species listed or being evaluated for listing under the state and federal endangered species acts. The incumbent will also be responsible for overseeing projects that assess and monitor the effects of prolonged drought on bird species and their habitats.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam:
 
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/Bulletin.aspx?examCD=0PBDJ
 
Need help understanding the hiring process? We'd love to talk to you! Please contact careers@wildlife.ca.gov and include the Job Control number in the subject title.

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

Working Conditions

The positions require 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 and participation in conference calls. The position may require travel throughout the State including overnight travel, early mornings, late nights, hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain, use of alternative methods of transportation (including kayak and all-terrain vehicle), and work in inclement weather. A valid California’s driver’s license is required to drive to meetings and field sites. The position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as Department staff.   
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this position is eligible for full time telework with occasional required travel for business purpose and need including, but not limited to attending meetings and hearings, and statewide to work with staff to complete assignments.

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Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-289931
Position #(s):
565-035-0765-004
Working Title:
Avian Specialist
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,336.00 - $9,126.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Yolo County
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
Must be able to work in remote field conditions and lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day and hike long distances. May occasionally require work at irregular hours including weekends and holidays and overnight travel throughout the State as needed. Must be able to work seated or standing at a desk for up to 7 hours per day.

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: 3/2/2022

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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
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
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.
  • School Transcripts
  • Other - A cover letter is required. Please submit a cover letter with your application.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see below for SOQ instructions.
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:
Knowledge of wildlife ecology and/or conservation biology principles and experience working with native bird species, or other native wildlife, familiarity with their habitats and with California’s ecosystems. Knowledge of global and local threats to wildlife populations such as climate change, invasive species, habitat degradation, diseases, and loss of adaptive genetic diversity. Understanding of state and federal wildlife conservation laws and regulations and wildlife recovery programs. Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams to achieve a common goal. Experience managing diverse stakeholder groups, addressing diverse and often difficult topics. Good analytical, interpersonal, public presentation, communication, and technical and non-technical writing skills; adept use of interest-based negotiation; and routine use of computer programs including text processing, PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, databases, and on-line sourcing of information.
 
A high degree of personal initiative, dependability, independence, professionalism, and integrity is expected. Able to accept feedback on performance, adapt to change and challenges, maintain productivity and professionalism under short deadlines, and demonstrate empathy and understanding of stakeholders’ interests.
 
Ability to work independently and in a team setting and provide leadership in accomplishing the functions and objectives of the Wildlife Diversity Program. Ability to mentor new staff members, communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with members of the public, demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills, and work effectively in a diverse work environment.

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:
Daniel Applebee
(916) 516-3178
Daniel.Applebee@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:
EEO OFFICE
(916) 902-9211
EEO@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

Applicant must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) no more than three pages in length using Arial 12-font for this position. The SOQ must include “Statement of Qualifications” in the header, along with the Job Control number and the candidate’s name. The SOQ is a narrative discussion.
 
Question 1: Please describe your experience managing, monitoring or conducting research on California’s native birds and their habitats.
 
Question 2: Please describe your experience conducting literature reviews, writing technical reports and research papers, writing management prescriptions or recommendations, and writing reports for non-technical audiences.
 
Question 3: Please describe your ability to collaborate with a broad array of partners on issues relevant to the statewide conservation of native wildlife, your ability to facilitate planning efforts, and your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Filing Instructions

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 and for the safety of our employees and customers, the drop off location for applications will be temporarily closed. In order to ensure we receive your application, please send your application Certified mail to the mailing address indicated on the announcement.

Indicate Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) – 565-035-0765-004 & RPA# E-WLB 21-034 on your application.

We recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

To be considered for this vacancy you must have transfer eligibility based on present or past state civil service eligibility, or passed an exam for this classification.  If you have SROA/Surplus status, please indicate by either attaching your surplus letter or notating it on line 12 of your application.

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.