Fish and wildlife scientific aid

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is hiring entry-level Scientific Aids in Sonoma, CA, to conduct wildlife studies and monitoring on game species. Responsibilities include wildlife surveys, equipment maintenance, data collection, and habitat restoration. Fieldwork involves long hours, hiking, and potential camping. The position may allow for office-centered telework based on the Department’s Telework Policy.
Opportunity for entry level field biologists to conduct wildlife work in remote, beautiful parts of northern California! California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Bay Delta Region is currently hiring up to four Scientific Aids to help conduct field studies and monitoring on deer, elk and other game species, as well as help with stewardship activities on CDFW Lands.
• Assist with completing wildlife surveys throughout the greater S.F. Bay Area.
• Maintain a variety of wildlife cameras, transects, vehicles and field materials and equipment.
• Assist with habitat enhancement and restoration activities, facilities and equipment maintenance and operating hunter check stations on un-staffed CDFW Lands.
• Field days including driving time can be 10-12 hours long, start early mornings or end late evenings. Hiking for 5-6 hours daily may be typical. Camping may be possible to reduce driving times.
• Assist Environmental Scientists on deer and elk surveys, including collecting fecal pellets, camera trap data, marking locations with GPS, and documenting observations on datasheets for later analysis.
• Assist Environmental Scientist with data entry, organizing and maintaining field equipment.
• Undertake other duties as required.

We at CDFW are excited that YOU want to get paid to do THIS!

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

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

The language below is required for these NT classifications.
• 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.

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

This position is being re-advertised. If you previously applied, your application is being considered and you do not need to re-apply.

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

Working Conditions

Outdoor field work may be 75% of a typical workday. Work hours and days can be variable with irregular schedules to accommodate field work, which may require long hours (10- to 12-hour days) with early or late start/stop times on a regular basis. Involves walking/hiking long distances on uneven and sometimes steep terrain, and sometimes in dense vegetation, for 4-6 hours daily. Expected field conditions include encountering poison oak, mosquitos, ticks, etc., and inclement weather (heat, rain, or cold). Requires multiple, weekly trips throughout the South San Francisco (SF) Bay Area. Must be physically able to collect biological samples, including recently dropped fecal pellets from deer, and ability to organize and preserve samples for later analysis by others. Ability to carry a backpack with 20-40 pounds of field equipment. Office work involves data entry for up to 8 hours a day. Requires driving on both primitive rural and highly congestive urban roads. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and equipment and be prepared to travel using a stage vehicle.

Negotiable at the time of the job offer, this position may be headquartered at either of the CDFW, Bay Delta Region offices at the following locations: Santa Rosa or Fairfield, CA. The position may be eligible for a telework option per the requirements set by CDFW and the State of California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
• FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

Additional Documents
• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-478842

Position #(s):

565-384-0835-905

Working Title:

Wildlife and Un-Staffed Lands Scientific Aid

Classification:

FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

$17.73 – $21.04

# of Positions:

3

Work Location:

Sonoma County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Non-Tenured, Intermittent

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

This position requires the 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.

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: 6/5/2025

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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.

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:
• Ability to ID wildlife and plants in the greater S.F. Bay Area.
• Ability to use and maintain equipment including wildlife cameras, vehicles and all field materials.
• Ability to maintain basic facilities, equipment for habitat maintenance and restoration activities such as hand and power tools.
• Ability to handle and ID hunter harvested waterfowl, big game, upland game at hunter check stations.
• Ability to work long hours in the field, drive on rural roads and interstate highways,
• Willingness to undertake other duties as required.
• Possession of a valid California Driver License and a good driving record.
• Additional course work or experience in biological sciences.
• Interest in and knowledge of hunting, wildlife, or plants.
• Experience in maintaining or repairing equipment.
• Interest in a career in biology or fish & wildlife management.

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:
John Krause
(415) 250-0243
John.Krause@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 565-384-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R3 WA 23-037 thru 039 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.