ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is hiring an Environmental Scientist to focus on big game species management, particularly mule deer, in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Responsibilities include fieldwork, data analysis, and report preparation. The position may involve telework based on departmental policy. Candidates must be eligible for transfer or pass an exam. The job requires working in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and diverse team working to implement monitoring and management of big game species in the eastern Sierra Nevada? The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a motivated individual to work as a big game biologist. The position will focus on mule deer but will also include work with elk, bighorn sheep, proghorns, and their predators.

Data collection will include field work such as helicopter and ground surveys (hiking and backpacking). Responsible for management and analysis of large spatial and demographic datasets; R-coding is essential.

Under supervision, the incumbent performs a variety of professional scientific office and field work related to wildlife management. This includes assisting with demographic and spatial analysis, conducting population surveys, supporting environmental planning and review, contributing to wildlife and disease management efforts, and developing harvest recommendations for hunting programs. The incumbent utilizes current technologies such as radio telemetry, GPS, GIS, and statistical methods to analyze geographic distribution, habitat selection, and population trends. Additionally, responsibilities include preparing reports, funding proposals, and regulatory documents, as well as providing technical assistance on environmental policies and project assessments. The incumbent also assists with administrative duties such as tracking expenditures, coordinating field activities, recruiting temporary help, and engaging in public outreach and education regarding wildlife conservation and management.

This position offers the possibility of an office-centered telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy.

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/Exam Bulletin

This position is posted in the following counties: Inyo County/Mono County. You only need to apply to one county.

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

Working Conditions

May work at high altitudes (8,000 – 12,000 feet), in inclement weather, and in rugged backcountry terrain during all months of the year. As a condition of employment, the incumbent may be required to wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for various work situations, including field surveys and public interaction, both within and outside the Region as required by the supervisor. This position offers the possibility of an office-centered telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents
• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-479279

Position #(s):

565-602-0762-005

Working Title:
Big Game Biologist

Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A

$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B

$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Mono 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

Special Requirements

Physical strength and agility; and ability to lift 40 pounds; hiking at high elevations in rugged terrain.

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: 6/6/2025

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 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

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.
• 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:

Strong wildlife survey and tracking skills; proficient in quantifying abundance of ungulates. Comfortable flying in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Experience capturing and handling large mammals. Knowledgeable in the use of radio-telemetry and GPS technology. Proficient in managing and analyzing large spatial and demographic datasets.

Experience preparing and writing management plans, reports and research papers.

Experience designing research and monitoring wildlife populations.

Experience analyzing behavioral and demographic data of wildlife.

Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Participation in animal captures.

Experience working in remote field conditions

Experience performing surveys or investigations

Experience using relational databases, coding, Geographic Information Systems.

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:

Tom Stephenson

(760) 937-0238

tom.stephenson@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 565-602-0762-005 and RPA Number E-R6 LF 24-021 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.