Fisheries Biologist

Job Description and Duties

Would you like to work on an interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and adaptively manage restoration projects for native California anadromous fish species? Are you interested in carrying out scientific studies and analyzing data to monitor the success of these restoration projects? The California Department of Water Resources is seeking a motivated Environmental Scientist to join our team who is passionate about restoration and fish monitoring. This position has an exciting mix of field work, data analysis, science communication, and leadership.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Incumbent must be physically fit to meet the demands of extended field sampling in aquatic habitats. Must be able to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least 10 minutes. Must be able to move and transport equipment or objects weighing up to 40 pounds over rugged terrain. Must possess a valid California driver's license to drive to various meetings and sites which may require driving off paved roads. Must be able to work on research vessels in rough conditions without incapacitation due to sea sickness.

Incumbent must be willing to work extended hours, including at night, on occasion. Some overnight travel may be required. Incumbent must be knowledgeable of the biology and habitat requirements of California sturgeons and salmonids.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety.

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:

The ideal candidate will have education, training, or experience in California salmon or sturgeon biology. A successful candidate will have experience designing scientific studies to support fisheries management and conservation as well as experience with fisheries monitoring methods, including beach seining, fish trapping, and electrofishing, and fish marking techniques such as PIT tags, acoustic tags, and external tags. Experience organizing and analyzing scientific data, using statistical or geospatial software such as R or GIS, and preparing technical reports, publications, presentations, or posters and communicating scientific information to diverse audiences is also desirable. The successful candidate will work effectively in a collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams and partner organizations and have experience managing contracts. Experience planning or evaluating habitat restoration projects, conducting public outreach, and working safely in outdoor environments, including in or near water and aboard boats, is highly valued.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

Flexible Work Hours

Free Parking

Telework Opportunities

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement

Basic Group Term Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) & 457 plans

Student Loan Forgiveness

Long Term Care

Group Legal Services

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume, and supplemental questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50001227 and Job Control #523686 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant’s abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the advertised position. Please complete this questionnaire and identify a reference who can verify your knowledge and/or experience. If you do not have experience regarding the question, then include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function. Please limit your collective responses to two double-spaced pages total using 11-point Arial font.

1. From your work or educational experience, what was your role in planning scientific studies to answer research questions, analyzing data, and sharing results?

2. From your work or educational experience, what was your role working outdoors conducting field work activities? How did you ensure personal and team safety during these activities?

The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

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 - Supplemental Questionaire- See Special Instructions Section