Senior environmental scientist specialist

Would you like to directly inform how the State of California manages water and habitat restoration? Come join us and take a lead role in the recovery of native San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Bay-Delta) fish species.


California Department of Fish and Wildlife has one vacant Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) position in the Water Branch as the lead for providing scientific fisheries information, policy, and planning guidance for the development and implementation of Voluntary Agreements in tributaries to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers and Delta that create water supply and regulatory certainty for water users, and improve ecological flow and habitat for species.


Successful performance will require a comprehensive knowledge of Bay-Delta fishes, complex water operations and restoration principals, applicable environmental law and ecological principles, and polices. Work in this position requires a high degree of personal initiative, independent judgement, and collaboration with a wide variety of resource agencies and special interest groups.


If you think you might be interested in pursuing this unique opportunity with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, do not hesitate to reach out to ask questions about this position. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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

Class Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

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

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.

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

The position requires the use of a computer for several hours each day, the completion of office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking to other locations; attendance at meetings and participation in conference calls. The position may require travel and/or field work throughout the state including overnight, early mornings, and late nights. Traveling using a company owned vehicle may be required to attend meetings and field sites. The position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as Department staff.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-498080

Position #(s):

565-038-0765-042

Working Title:

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification:

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00

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:

United States

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:

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: 11/15/2025

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.


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 (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 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.

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:

Candidates who can work independently, and in a team setting, and possess the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously are desirable. Candidates should also possess strong writing and analytical skills, knowledge of fisheries management, water operations, habitat restoration, adaptive management techniques, and/or experience with CEQA and CESA.

Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrate ability to: work with high degree of initiative, dependability, professionalism, and integrity; make sound recommendations based on policies, guidance, and regulations; communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; organize workload and manage time effectively; lead discussions with CDFW staff and other professionals.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate ability to: work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team; develop and maintain productive relationships while working in contentious settings with other CDFW program staff, managers, federal, state, non-governmental organization partners, stakeholders, and members of the public; communicate effectively, politely, and tactfully; listen, empathize and understand others’ interests; and facilitate and resolve conflicts at lowest possible level. Strong interpersonal skills are highly desirable.

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:
Bjarni Serup
(916) 298-8163
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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 565-038-0765-042 and RPA Number E-WATER 25-007 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 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.