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DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

JOB_REQUIREMENTS

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If rivers could speak, they’d tell stories of resilience—and we’d like you to help write the next chapter. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Instream Flow Program has an opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Scientist to join the Flow Implementation Unit in West Sacramento. This position supports statewide implementation of the California Environmental Flows Framework (CEFF), a science-based approach for defining and managing streamflow needs that protect aquatic ecosystems.

The Environmental Scientist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop instream flow criteria using both desktop and field-based methods. Key duties include analyzing hydrologic data, developing flow statistics, assessing natural and human-caused impacts, and applying coding and statistical tools (e.g., R or Python) to support defensible, transparent flow criteria. The incumbent will also coordinate with the state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and NGO partners to convey flow information and support integration of CEFF tools into statewide water management and policy decisions.

This position offers the opportunity to build technical expertise in hydrologic sciences, gain practical experience in California water policy, and contribute to the protection and restoration of stream ecosystems throughout the state.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Class Title: Environmental Scientist

This position is posted in the following counties: Yolo and Sacramento County. You only need to apply to one county.

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

Working Conditions

Must be able and willing to conduct seasonal fieldwork involving walking through stream channels in waders, hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain, carrying heavy equipment to survey and/or sample locations, and working extended hours with overnight stays. Ability to swim required. Must be able to conduct office work involving use of a computer keyboard for several hours a day, usually sitting, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Must attend meetings and work with staff throughout the State. May be required to wear a uniform identifying the employee as Department staff. This position is eligible for hybrid telework consistent with current State and Department policies.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-500248

Position #(s):

565-038-0762-047

Working Title:

Environmental Scientist

Classification:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A

$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B

$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

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

Comfort working in and around moving water.

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: 12/6/2025

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

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.
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.
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.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to your application, provide an additional document with your response to two (2) supplemental questions. Response must be no more than two pages in length, using 12 point Calibri font with 1 inch margins.
1) Please review the duty statement and explain how your knowledge, experience, and qualifications have prepared you to perform these duties. Examples may be from your work and education.
2) Describe your experience working with hydrologic or ecological data, and explain how you would approach evaluating flow needs for fish and wildlife using available data.

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 hydrology, aquatic ecology, and environmental flow science. Experience analyzing streamflow data and developing flow statistics using R, Python, or similar tools. Familiarity with the California Environmental Flows Framework (CEFF) or other desktop hydrology assessment methods. Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration. Ability to work effectively with state, federal, academic, and NGO partners on water-related projects.

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:
Brionna Drescher
(916) 297-2172
brionna.drescher@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.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-038-0762-047 and RPA Number E-WATER 25-008 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.

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.

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