Environmental Scientist

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking an Environmental Scientist for its Eureka office in Humboldt County, CA. The role involves conducting activities related to the Timberland Conservation Planning Program and requires knowledge of environmental laws and ecological principles. The position involves both indoor and outdoor work, frequent travel, and good communication skills. Applicants must have a valid Driver’s License and may need to wear a uniform.
Full job description

Do you want to support California’s natural resources in the work you perform every day? You can have an impact by working collaboratively to help fulfill the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mission. The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Northern Region is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Environmental Scientist out of the Eureka office in Humboldt County.

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent is responsible for conducting identified activities within the Northern Region’s Timberland Conservation Planning Program (R1B) in Siskiyou, Shasta, Modoc, Trinity, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Performance of specified activities will require in depth knowledge of Department policies, applicable environmental laws, ecological principles, stream restoration principles, and timber harvest plan review procedures. Public contacts made in the course of this work are sensitive and require good communication skills when interacting with different agencies and the public. A high degree of personal initiative is expected.

Please refer to 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: Environmental Scientist

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

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer and standard word processing software. Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and operate all-terrain vehicle. Spend approximately 50% of time indoors processing documents and spend the other approximate 50% of time outdoors in rugged terrain, hot and freezing conditions, experience biting insects, and some overnight camping. Attend meetings and hearings, work with staff statewide to complete work assignments. This position will require frequent day travel, and occasional overnight travel, including camping, up to 10 days based on business need. A valid Driver’s License is required to operate a State vehicle. The position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as CDFW staff.

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: 5/16/2025Who 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

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.
• 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.
• Statement of Qualifications –
A Supplemental Questionnaire is required. Please see below for Supplemental Questions. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in an incomplete application submission.

Please submit your responses to the following questions with your State application. Keep the answers to each question to half a page, size 12 Arial font, single spaced, 1 inch margins with the question to be answered on the first line of the page.

1) Describe the Timber Harvest Plan Review Process and the role that Department of Fish and Wildlife plays in that process.

2) Describe your knowledge of the different types of watercourse crossings that are used on private forest and ranch roads.

3) Describe the relevant environmental laws that are used in the review of Timber Harvest Plans

4) Explain why you are interested in this Environmental Scientist 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: Understands the ecological principles that guide conservation and project review for trustee resources. Familiar with the types design and construction of watercourse crossings. Environmental permitting related to the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Endangered Species Act, the California Forest Practices Act, the Public Resources Code, Fish & Game Code and the California Code of Regulations. Technical knowledge of the ecology, restoration and management of natural resources.

Skills: Understands and correctly applies environmental laws, regulations, and Department Policies to conditions in the field. Provides coordination, timely analysis of information and recommendations to landowners, other Department staff and managers on issues related to the biological resources of the state. Analyzes and solves problems within realistic time frames. Following the guidance of the supervisor and Department Policy, exercises discretion and a high degree of independent judgment when making decisions.

Abilities: Apply or follow scientific methods and principles; collect environmental data; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review, check, and interpret scientific and environmental reports; analyze situations and take appropriate actions; establish and maintain cooperative relations with all persons contacted; communicate effectively; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of California and Federal environmental protection and resource management programs.

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access).