Job Description

Job Description and Duties

California waterways are threatened by invasive mussels, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) needs your help. We are looking for an Environmental Scientist, like you, to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), to minimize their impacts on water conveyance infrastructure, recreation, and to protect aquatic ecosystems. We are looking for a scientist ready to monitor waterways, respond to potential incidents, and engage in public outreach.

You will work with other scientists to sample for invasive species using eDNA, plankton tow, or surface survey methods. You will also collect water quality samples and maintain data that will inform state-level resource management decisions. You will respond to reports of infested conveyances, conduct inspections, and participate in watercraft inspections and decontaminations to stop the spread of AIS. This work also involves engaging with water recreationalists to inspire preventative action, which may include distribution of AIS materials, posting signs, and staffing AIS booths at public events.

We are looking for a professional who can adapt to evolving environmental threats, pays attention to details, and possesses sound judgment while working independently or leading temporary staff. We would also like to find a capable collaborator who can move seamlessly between technical discussions with external agencies and outreach to the general public.

If you want to work outdoors and near water, if you want work with others on science-based resource management, and if you want to contribute to California’s sustainable future, please consider submitting an application for this position.

NOTE ON APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Resumes and Statements of Qualifications will be used to supplement the applicant's qualifications for the position, and will also be reviewed for proper writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation).

Link to Class Title Exam:Environmental Scientist /

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:

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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.

This position may be filled in the following counties: Solano, Napa, and Santa Rosa counties .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

This job involves spending time outside, sometimes for long periods, with potential exposure to heat, cold, wind, and/or rainy conditions. Tasks will sometimes involve navigating rough or wet/submerged terrain on foot. With that, one must be able to work in remote field conditions and elevate up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day. Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to drive in performing field work in the region and throughout the State as needed. As much of the field work is in the aquatic environment, the ability to swim is necessary in case of immersion.

Ability to:

• Multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice

• Organize, prioritize and follow verbal or written instructions and directions

• Prioritize work independently and complete projects

• Work together with fellow employees in a cooperative manner and get along with diverse personalities while maintaining a high level of professionalism

• Effectively work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

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 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 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.

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.

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:

Hiring Unit Contact:
Mitsuko Grube
(707) 815-7944
mitsuko.grube@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

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must include with their application a one-page Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) answering the following two questions using single-spaced, 12-font Arial font. The SOQ is a narrative response, and must include "Statement of Qualifications" in the header, along with the Job Control (JC) number and the candidate's name. Responses to the questions will be used to supplement candidates' experience and also as a writing sample. Applicants who do not follow these directions or whose response is unrelated to the prompt may be eliminated from further consideration.

Questions:

1. Describe your experience working with aquatic natural resources, including monitoring protocols and assessing invasive species. How was your work applied to resource management?

2. Describe your experience working with stakeholders in the context of water management. Include any relevant regulatory policies and institutions involved. What were the challenges and opportunities associated with these experiences and how were they resolved?

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Remote work

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