SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) for its Cannabis Enforcement unit in Shasta Lake, CA. The role involves addressing environmental impacts from illicit cannabis cultivation, conducting investigations, and coordinating with various agencies. Responsibilities include evidence collection, drafting violation notices, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. The position requires fieldwork in challenging conditions and moderate travel.
Looking for a challenging, fast-paced, and unique career? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has the job for you. Come join our Cannabis Enforcement unit and work on a dedicated team of wildlife professionals consisting of scientific and law enforcement staff to address environmental impacts resulting from illicit cannabis cultivation.

Specifically, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will be an integral part of the Northern Region's Inland team and the multi-agency taskforce, responsible for a wide range of enforcement and regulatory activities within Trinity, Shasta, Tehama, Siskiyou, Lassen, and Modoc Counties. Responsible for the collection of evidence relating to environmental impacts during specialized investigations at unlicensed cannabis sites and drafting of notice of violation letters by applying knowledge of environmental principles and impacts. Independently performs assigned duties and has responsibility for developing CDFW's Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements, California Endangered Species Act permits, and ensures California Environmental Quality Act compliance including all document review, comment, and/or completion. Coordinates with law enforcement wildlife officers, other Cannabis Program staff, and other State, Federal, and local agencies to address non-compliance, to assist on enforcement efforts, and to remediate impacts to the natural resources resulting from unlicensed cannabis cultivation. Close coordination with legal counsel for coordinated cases, providing well written reports and court testimony. The job duties will require knowledge of California fish and wildlife resources, ecological principles, lake and stream processes, applicable permitting and environmental laws, and CDFW administrative procedures and policies. These duties will require personal initiative, working in a team setting, and using independent judgment. Public contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive and involve a wide variety of partner agencies.

See the Duty Statement for specific duties and functions.

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)

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position will require moderate day travel, and occasional overnight travel up to 3 days based on business need. Ability to work unusual and/or long hours, occasional attendance at evening public meetings. Spend multiple days in the field assessing habitat conditions in adverse weather or terrain; hike in through rural terrain to cannabis cultivation sites; hike several miles with a 20-pound backpack over rough terrain with no vehicle access; operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle off highway, over rough terrain on a weekly basis; operate an all-terrain vehicle occasionally; operate office equipment, tablets, Microsoft 365 applications, and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Arc geographic information system (ArcGIS) products up to eight hours a day. Possess a valid Driver’s License and incumbent will be required to wear a prescribed uniform and appropriate footwear when conducting field work. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule.

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-470116

Position #(s):

565-131-0765-049

Working Title:
Cannabis Enforcement, SES Specialist

Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,556.00 - $10,221.00

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Shasta 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

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: 3/26/2025

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. 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).

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

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 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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -
In order to be considered for this position, you must provide responses to the supplemental questionnaire below with your State application. Please keep your collective answers to no more than two pages, single-spaced, using 12-point font. If submitting your application electronically (via a CalCareers account), attach the final document as 'Supplemental Questionnaire' under Required Documents in Part 4) Application Package of the application steps.

1. Why are you interested in this position?

2. As it pertains to the Duty Statement, please explain how your knowledge, skills, or related experience would make you an ideal candidate for this position.

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:

Knowledge of: Environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation and a general knowledge of all potential violations associated with cannabis cultivation activities; Fish and Game Code and other laws, rules, regulations, and policies relating to the conservation and protection of fish, wildlife, and their habitat in California; the legislative process; California Endangered Species Act and California Environmental Quality Act statutes and guidelines, and CDFW policies and practices as a lead and responsible agency; water rights laws and regulations; basic principles and techniques of natural resources management including habitats, life histories, ecological relationships, and geographical distribution of fish and wildlife in California; chemical substances and waste materials and their interactions with and effects on public health and the environment; Microsoft 365 applications and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Arc geographic information system (ArcGIS) products .

Ability to: Develop scientific methodologies, research projects, criteria, procedures, guidelines, reference materials, planning and regulatory documents, and other innovative solutions for environmental management problems; independently plan environmental studies; provide research and evaluate projects concerning public health, agricultural productivity, and environmental protection; respond to and investigate pollution, oil, and hazardous material spills; develop techniques for handling and analyzing a large variety of detailed data; communicate the results and implications of studies to others; tactfully and adequately handle difficult questions or hostile demeanor from the public; act as an expert witness in court or at legislative or quasi-judicial hearings; provide leadership in accomplishing basic functions and objectives of the team; and inspire confidence and effective working relationships with employees, managers, and leaders in government and industry.

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: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

Tobi Freeny

(530) 945-9688

tobi.freeny@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 565-131-0765-049 and RPA Number E-R1 HC 24-008 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.