Marine Fisheries Sampler

Job Description and Duties

Do you love to work outdoors and have a passion for marine biology? Are you a student or graduate with a passion to learn more about marine science and standard data collection procedures? Have you been looking for the right entry opportunity to start your career with CDFW? If you answered yes to any of those, we have a job for you!

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Marine Region has statewide opportunities for Marine Fisheries Samplers to gather data for the California Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS). Using standardized survey protocols, this position will independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps, docks, piers, jetties, beach/banks sites and commercial passenger fishing vessels (CPFV). Specifically, this position will identify finfish and invertebrates to species and collect lengths, weights and other biological data as needed; then review, edit, and submit data to lead staff for review and data entry. Standard survey protocols and fish identification training will be provided.

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.

• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.

• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.

• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.

• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Work environment is variable and can include commuting in a state or personal vehicle, collecting scientific data in all weather conditions, handling and lifting equipment, sampling at sea on fishing vessels, and performing clerical and scientific work using electronics and computer equipment in an office setting or field environment. Working on weekends is required. Travel of 10% is required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel is subject to short notice deployment with overnight stays which is dependent upon departmental need.

Special Requirements

This position requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License. Must maintain a clean driving record. The selected candidate may be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.

- Two years of college (60 semester units) with 10 semester units in biological or chemical sciences

- Working irregular hours including on weekends and holidays is required

- Good verbal and written communication skills

- Reliable transportation

- Possession of a valid driver license (US States and Territories Only)

- Ability to lift or elevate up to 40 pounds

- Ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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:

- Ability to identify marine fish species

- Good organizational skills and ability to keep accurate records and meet deadlines

- Ability to interact positively with the public

- Ability to sample onboard vessels at sea

Special Personal Characteristics:

Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing field work throughout the State; willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform.

Special Physical Characteristics:

Physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes; ability to function in rough seas without incapacitation due to seasickness; and ability to lift 40 pounds.

Interpersonal Skills:

Ability to collaborate and coordinate work in a team setting, communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, interact with members of the public in a professional manner, and communicate effectively with supervisors and leads.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-772-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R7 MR 25-010 to 011in 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.

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 -

  To be considered for this position, you must submit a Supplemental Questionnaire. Please clearly title the document “Supplemental Questionnaire_Your Last Name” and put the name you used on your application at the top of the page. Responses should be single-spaced, in Arial 12-point font and limited to the maximum number of words specified.

  
  Supplemental Questionnaire:
  

  
  1. Describe your experience conducting scientific field surveys. (e.g., trainings, courses, research studies, sampling of recreational or commercial fisheries). (maximum 250 words)