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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Operations
Sacramento County, CA, USA
Posted on Jul 14, 2026
Job Posting: Environmental Scientist
Department of Fish and Wildlife
JC-524628
- Environmental Scientist
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: 7/27/2026
Job Description and Duties
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is committed to managing and protecting California’s diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend. Join us and begin a meaningful new career in invasive species prevention and management.
Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) the Environmental Scientist conducts monitoring for the presence of invasive mussels, responds to reports of invasive mussels on infested conveyances, and conducts outreach. Work in this position requires independent application of monitoring protocols and responses to invasive mussels. This position works closely with regional and headquarters staff, external agency staff, and the public.
Conduct monitoring for invasive mussels following established protocols for eDNA, veliger, and adult mussel monitoring. Collect associated water quality samples and data at mussel monitoring locations. Record data and maintain sampling records and results. Complete summaries and reports on sampling efforts and sample Chain of Custody.
Coordinate to gain access to selected invasive mussel sampling sites.
Respond to reports of invasive mussel infested conveyances. Conduct inspections and take appropriate follow-up action that may include, but not limited to, issuance of quarantine notices, decontamination of conveyance, and release of quarantines.
Post and distribute educational materials. Engage water recreationalists in taking action to prevent the further spread of invasive mussels.
Package and ship samples for processing, maintain sampling equipment, tools, and vehicles. Repair, service, and replace equipment as needed.
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.
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.
Link to Environmental Scientist Exam: CalCareers
This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Work is conducted primarily outdoors around water. Requires frequent and extensive travel to reach field sites, including trips lasting multiple days. Field work can require early morning starts, hiking over uneven terrain, and riding in a watercraft. Office duties require use of a computer for several hours; sitting, standing, or walking; attendance at meetings and conference calls. As a condition of employment, the incumbent is required to wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for various work situations, including field surveys and public interaction. This position offers the possibility of an office-centered telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy. The incumbent will be required to obtain a California Boater’s Card if appropriate, as well as maintain a valid California Driver’s License.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-524628
Position #(s):
565-241-0762-905
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:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - 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
The field work component of this position will require long work days in varying outdoor conditions and will include shore and boat based surveys. The position will require extensive walking, including on uneven terrain, and working in inclement weather. It is important that the selected candidate be prepared for these outdoor working conditions.
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: 7/27/2026Who 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.
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
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
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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.
SOQs must be no more than two pages in length, size 12 point Arial font. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.
1. Please explain why you are interested in this position, and what makes you a competitive candidate for the position. Please include any professional or personal experience including the amount of time you have spent working in the field with aquatic invasive species, trailering, and operating motorized and/or non-motorized watercraft, participating in public education and outreach, collecting, analyzing, and reporting on scientific data, and working with a partner or as part of a small team in an outdoor setting.
2. Please describe your experience, including the length of time, in collecting and analyzing data and mapping, with a focus on producing detailed, analytical reports.
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:
Good analytical, interpersonal, public presentation, communication, and writing skills; adept use of interest-based negotiation; and routine use of computer programs, including text processing, spreadsheets, databases, and on-line sourcing of information.
Flexible and adaptable; able to exercise sound judgement and modify plans and logistics to accomplish goals. Willingness to travel and work outdoors and around large bodies of water. Conscientious, reliable, organized, strong initiative, and adaptable. Strong attention to detail. A high degree of personal initiative, dependability, professionalism, and integrity is expected. The incumbent is open to feedback on performance; able to adapt to changing challenges and demonstrates empathy and understanding of stakeholder’s interests. Willingness to engage in research activities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills; interact effectively with others to achieve goals. Ability to work cooperatively and independently and in a team environment; communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with members of the public; Have effective listening and negotiation skills and be able to facilitate collaboration in a technical setting; and work effectively in a diverse work environment.
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:
Leslie Call
(530) 708-1745
Leslie.Call@wildlife.ca.gov
Leslie Call
(530) 708-1745
Leslie.Call@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 565-241-0762-905 and RPA Number E-R2 F 25-018 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.