ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Opportunity for a dedicated biologist to conduct wildlife work in central California! This position is located in Merced and Stanislaus Counties, covering portions of the San Joaquin Valley and Coast Range, which provide habitat for waterfowl, tule elk, black-tailed deer, upland game, mountain lion, and black bear.
Importantly, the unit encompasses the Grasslands Ecological Area covering 250 square miles of prime breeding and wintering habitat for waterfowl.
The incumbent will assist with the investigation and monitoring of game species and their habitats.
This often requires the development of unique sampling designs and methods to meet monitoring objectives.
Use of statistical techniques and spatial analysis (e.
g.
, ArcGIS) will be required to analyze data collected.
Prepare reports and/or plans regarding resource assessment activities, monitoring results and/or plans, and habitat assessments.
Lead and/or participate in wildlife captures and handling and field investigations.
Responsible for the collection of ecological information and coordination with headquarters, veterinary, and other regional and statewide colleagues, as well as federal agencies including Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Analyze survey data collected for game species and coordinate with other agencies and Department programs to manage hunting programs.
Assist with developing regional recommendations for changes to laws, regulations, and policies.
An in-depth knowledge of departmental programs and policies is required.
Assist in the development and review of Private Land Management (PLM) plans, conduct compliance inspections of PLM properties, and prepare recommendations regarding PLM licensing and harvest for consideration by the Fish and Game Commission.
Investigate and resolve public requests for assistance regarding property damage, pet and livestock depredation, nuisance wildlife activity, and other human-wildlife conflicts.
Provide training and oversight to temporary personnel and volunteers responding to human-wildlife conflicts.
Investigate outbreaks of wildlife disease and participate in the development of strategies to manage wildlife disease.
Provide technical expertise and resource information to the public and to governmental and non-governmental organizations regarding wildlife biology, management and conservation of wildlife and habitats, and regulations.
Represent the Department at public meetings regarding wildlife management and ecological issues.
Topics discussed are frequently sensitive and controversial.
This position is posted in the following counties: Merced, Stanislaus You only need to apply to one county.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST EXAM LINK You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions Willingness and ability to fly in small aircraft such as fixed-wing planes and helicopters to survey waterfowl and ungulates over a variety of habitats; willingness and ability to operate animal capture and restraint equipment including chemical immobilization equipment; use firearms for wildlife management actions.
Hike in steep and rugged terrain (rocky, over debris, and dense brush) under variable weather conditions; legally and safely operate four-wheel drive vehicles on paved, gravel, snow-covered, and dirt roads; use a computer and keyboard up to several hours a day.
Incumbent must be prepared to work from a Home Office, must be willing to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and possess a valid Driver License.
Attend meetings and public hearings, and work with staff statewide to complete work assignments.
Occasional overnight travel will be required.
Staff will be required to wear a uniform where they can be identified in the field.
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-420432 Position #(s): 565-481-0762-008 Working Title: Merced Unit Biologist Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,145.
00 - $5,132.
00 A $5,037.
00 - $6,250.
00 B $6,375.
00 - $7,926.
00 C # of Positions: 1 Work Location: Stanislaus County Telework: In Office 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 • Must be willing and capable to competently use firearms as per the Department’s Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel.
• Must be willing and capable to competently use and possess wildlife restraint drugs and equipment.
• Must be willing to handle live animals, carcasses, and conduct simple tissue sampling and necropsies.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
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: 3/19/2024 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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 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 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.
Degree and/or School Transcripts Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skill, and training meet the minimum desirable qualifications to qualify you for this position.
It also serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
Your SOQ should be typed, no more than two pages in length, Arial 12 point font, and address the following statement: Describe in detail your experience, educational background, and qualifications for this position as it relates to the Duty Statement.
Give specific examples of your role(s) and responsibilities in planning and implementing field surveys and analysing scientific data for the purposes of monitoring game wildlife populations and habitats.
Other - A Valid Driver's License is required.
Please provide a photocopy of the front and back of your Driver's License (DL) clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL number, class and expiration.
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: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to act independently and as part of a team; creativity and ability to plan and implement species and habitat assessment projects; ability to positively interact with private landowners, government agencies, colleagues, and the public.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting.
Leadership of field technical staff and volunteers.
Clear speaking, writing, and presentation skills.
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: Nathan Graveline (559) 978-3043 nathan.
graveline@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: EEO OFFICE (916) 902-9211 EEO@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 565-481-0762-008 and RPA Number E-R4 WM 23-043 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.
We recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.
Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history.
Resumes must include the complete to and from dates 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.