Game Program/Waterfowl Unit Scientific Aid

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is hiring two Waterfowl Technicians for the 2025–2026 season at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Colusa County, CA. Responsibilities include banding, rocket netting, telemetry, and conducting surveys. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree, field experience, and be physically fit for outdoor work in various weather conditions. The position is seasonal, requiring early mornings and weekends.
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is seeking two Waterfowl Technicians for the 2025–2026 season at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. This role offers hands-on experience in banding, rocket netting, and telemetry for wildlife professionals looking to deepen their fieldwork experience in avian ecology.

Description

Technicians will work closely with the Waterfowl Unit to support monitoring and research through direct field activities. These include deploying rocket nets, banding, neck collaring, conducting VHF radio telemetry, and performing hunter harvest checks. The role demands flexibility, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to early morning and weekend hours in variable weather.

Responsibilities
• Assist with rocket netting, trapping, banding, and neck collaring of waterfowl
• Conduct ground-based surveys and VHF radio tracking
• Collect biological samples and support hunter harvest operations
• Maintain field equipment and manage data entry
• Work long hours outdoors, often in inclement weather
• Operate state vehicles for extended driving durations

Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field
• At least 1 year of relevant field experience
• Valid California driver’s license
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and long days
• Physically able to handle strenuous activity in extreme weather
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with waterfowl species or similar avian field techniques
• Familiarity with rocket-netting or telemetry methods
• Comfortable working independently or with minimal supervision
• Prior work in wildlife banding or state/federal conservation programs

Additional Notes
• Position includes use of a work vehicle
• Seasonal term from September 2025 to February 2026
• Applicants must submit applications via CalCareers AND email resume and cover letter
• Equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring

How to Apply

Email resume and cover letter to:
Melanie Weaver
Email: Melanie.Weaver@wildlife.ca.gov (preferred contact method)