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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Operations
Merced County, CA, USA
USD 4,418-9,321 / month
Posted on Jun 30, 2026
Job Posting: Nutria Eradication Field Crew Lead
Department of Fish and Wildlife
JC-523024
- Nutria Eradication Field Crew Lead
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 7/9/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the supervision of the Nutria Eradication Operations Supervisor, the incumbent will serve as one of the lead field scientists for the Nutria Eradication Program. Nutria are highly invasive and extremely detrimental to the environment, but primarily nocturnal and relatively elusive in low densities. This position will play a critical role in the coordination of field crews conducting nutria surveys and trapping across the southern portion of the nutria infestation. The incumbent will assist the Operations Supervisor with training, leading, and evaluating field crew technicians and scientific aides to survey for, detect, and remove nutria, with the ultimate goal of eradicating nutria from the State of California. The incumbent will lead the team by example in conducting habitat suitability assessments, visual observation and camera surveys, trapping, and electronic data collection (i.e., ESRI Collector smartphone application), as well as effective use of baits and lures and obtaining entry permits from local landowners. The incumbent is responsible for conducting morning briefings of the assigned crew, tracking daily spatial assignments, and ensuring field staff understand understand project protocols. The incumbent will work with the Operations Supervisors, other field crew leads, and Planning Specialist to evaluate and help refine detection and trapping methods and tools for the most effective and efficient detection and removal of nutria. The incumbent will also closely coordinate with other regions and Department functions, as well as other affected and involved local, State, and Federal agencies. Work includes preparing draft reports and correspondence and answering routine questions from the public relative to Departmental nutria efforts. The primary geographical focus of this position will be in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties, but work may be assigned in any part of the area of nutria infestation. This position is physically demanding, but highly rewarding given the ultimate accomplishment of protecting California's wetlands, waterways, infrastructure, and agriculture from the devastation nutria have caused in other regions of North America.
Incumbent must be willing and able to competently use firearms as per the Department’s Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel. Must be willing and able to competently use and possess wildlife restraint drugs and equipment. Must wear a Department uniform.
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.
Link to Environmental Scientist Exam: CalCareers
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Must be willing to work atypical hours and on weekends. Some overnight travel may be required (up to 5%). Must be able to swim, walk through deep mud and thick vegetation, work on steep or uneven terrain, in extreme weather and under physically challenging conditions. Must be willing and able to competently use pellet pistols or firearms as per the Department’s Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel. Willing to handle live animals and carcasses, dispatch animals, and conduct simple tissue sampling and necropsies. Must possess valid Driver's License and be able to safely and effectively operate watercraft and UTVs, as well as tow trailers. This job requires daily operation of State vehicles to reach field sites, regular use of kayaks, and occasional operation of UTVs and motorized watercraft. Must wear Department uniform.
The primary geographical focus of this position will be in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties, but work may be assigned in any part of the area of nutria infestation.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-523024
Position #(s):
565-481-0762-009
Working Title:
Nutria Eradication Field Crew Lead
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:
1
Work Location:
Merced 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
- Must be willing and capable to competently use pellet pistols or firearms as per the Department’s Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel.
- Must be willing and able to competently use and possess wildlife restraint drugs and equipment.
- Must be willing to handle live animals and carcasses, dispatch animals, and conduct simple tissue sampling and necropsies.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Must possess valid Driver's License and be able to safely and effectively operate watercraft and UTVs, as well as tow trailers.
- Must be willing and able to obtain a California Boater Card and other motorboat operator certifications as determined necessary.
The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).
This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.
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: 7/9/2026Who 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).
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.
- 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.
1. Please describe your experience with teaching/training colleagues or co-workers and providing leadership to a team.2. Please describe your experience and/or special qualities that make you well-suited for acting as a liaison between the Operations Supervisor and the field crew you would be responsible for leading.
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:
Lara Sparks
(209) 769-1196
lara.sparks@wildlife.ca.gov
Lara Sparks
(209) 769-1196
lara.sparks@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 565-481-0762-009 and RPA Number E-R4 WM 25-019 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.
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.