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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Operations
Orange County, CA, USA
USD 4,418-9,321 / month
Posted on Aug 25, 2026
Job Posting: Environmental Scientist
Department of Fish and Wildlife
JC-529794
- 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: 9/7/2026
Job Description and Duties
Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team that protects the environment? The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Environmental Scientist (ES) for the OSPR Environmental Response Branch Southern California field team. Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist is responsible for the review and analysis of data related to environmental and natural resource issues for oil spills. The incumbent is tasked with the following: performs environmental assessments and surveys; assists in investigations; serves as a technical expert in the identification of resources at risk, site protection priorities, and the evaluation of oil spill trajectories; functions as a member of OSPR's Field Response Team (FRT); conducts shoreline assessment; performs injury determinations, collects soil, water, tissue and petroleum samples; assists with wildlife operations during spill response activities; assists in the coordination and development of site remediation plans, the determination of site cleanup endpoints, and draft final biological injury reports; works closely with other OSPR staff, federal, state and local governmental agencies, and nongovernmental organizations; participates in Area Contingency Planning Committees and/or Geographic Response Planning Committees; participates in comprehensive government and industry sponsored table top and field deployment drills and exercises; assists in the coordination and development of mitigation and restoration options; provides innovative alternatives to impacted or lost resources; and may oversee restoration projects and provide technical support and guidance for trustee councils.
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
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.
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position may be required to participate in spill prevention and response training, drills, and incidents throughout California, and must be available to deploy or travel with short notice for extended periods of time, up to seven (7) days or more, via private or public transportation. Incumbents in designated response roles are expected to keep their state-issued cellphone on and accessible and to respond to response-related communications as practicable. Public engagement events or field work may require irregular hours, the wearing of a DFW-issued uniform, and operation of state vehicles with 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-529794
Position #(s):
565-071-0762-051
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:
Orange County
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
This position is located in the department's Seal Beach office. Office work involves sitting and the use of a computer and standard office equipment. Field work requires the incumbent to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather conditions, in all types of habitats, and may require working beyond a traditional 8-hour work day. Field work may require the incumbent to hike and traverse on different types of terrain carrying field and sampling equipment that may exceed 25 lbs. for extended distances. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and be prepared to travel using a State vehicle, drive long distances for extended periods of time. May be required to work on different types of watercraft. May be required to participate in aerial surveys in aircrafts.
This position requires the incumbent to be on an on-call rotation during non-work hours.
This position requires the incumbent to be on an on-call rotation during non-work hours.
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: 9/7/2026Who 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
HRB Drop-Off Address (Exams)
Human Resources
715 P Street, 16th Floor Suite 300
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.
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:
n 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:
- Analytical and objective observation skills
- Critical thinker and problem solving abilities
- Tactful, resourceful, self-motivated
- Demonstrated ability to act independently
- All information provided in this application packet is subject to verification.
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:
Corey Kong
(562) 477-7081
Corey.Kong@wildlife.ca.gov
Corey Kong
(562) 477-7081
Corey.Kong@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 a narrative discussion of how your education, skill, and training meet the minimum desirable qualifications to qualify you for this position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, and to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience in relation to this position.
Applications submitted without a SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. SOQs will be evaluated based on the content and writing ability. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ will not be considered. Failure to specifically address, in order, the questions required in the SOQ will result in removal from the application process. Please DO NOT submit a generic SOQ.
Your SOQ must be typed, in Arial 12pt. font, no more than two pages in length, and address the following topics:
1. Describe in detail your training and experience related to environmental and biological field assessment.
2. Describe your experience working with stakeholders, industry, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations and the specific tasks or goals accomplished; and describe any positive or negative outcomes with your experience(s).
3. Describe your experience writing technical documents, procedures, action plans, or emergency response plans.
Filing Instructions
You must reference Position Number 565-071-0762-051 and RPA Number E-OSPR 26-004 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.
All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.
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.