Environmental Scientist, Marine Biologist - San Francisco Bay

Job Description and Duties

Join us in studying the largest estuary on the west coast of the USA, working on one of the longest estuarine monitoring programs in the country. The Environmental Scientist will work with a group of scientists studying the effects of freshwater outflow and other physical and biological factors on the abundance and distribution of fish, shrimp, and crabs in the San Francisco Estuary. The San Francisco Bay Study started in 1980 and is one of several long-term fisheries monitoring programs conducted under the auspices of the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) for the San Francisco Estuary.

Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist, Supervisor, the Environmental Scientist is the first-line analytical and field biologist for the San Francisco Bay Study. In collaboration with another Environmental Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for the collection, management, interpretation, and reporting of data to meet the study’s goals and reporting requirements.

The Environmental Scientist will be a crew leader for sample collection from a 42’ research vessel 3 to 6 days per month. The balance of the time will be spent in the office editing data, managing data bases, analyzing and summarizing data, writing reports and papers, and attending and participating in meetings, workshops, and conferences. Collaboration with agency and university scientists for special study design, review, data analyses, and report or paper preparation is an important aspect of this position. Incumbent may act as a lead person for up to 4 permanent and temporary personnel in the field or office.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts several other IEP monitoring studies in the San Francisco Estuary, including work with Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, Striped Bass and the food web for these and other species of interest.

Link to Class Title Exam: Environmental Scientist /

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

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This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Using a computer and computer keyboard for most of the workday, 5 days a week, when in the office. Involves sitting most of the day; however, may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Involves working several days a month aboard a research vessel collecting, sorting, and processing biological samples, which can occur in inclement weather and rough seas, and require long working days. Requires occasionally working with samples preserved in formalin or ethanol. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be prepared to operate a state vehicle.

This position is headquartered in Stockton, California.

This position may be eligible for a telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy.

Special Requirements

• Comfortable working around the water with the ability to swim at least 50 yards and to stay afloat at least 5 minutes.

• Ability to work safely and accurately collecting and recording data from a research vessel operating in a wide variety of weather and sea conditions.

• Possess or develop the ability to accurately identify fishes, crabs, and shrimp collected in the San Francisco Estuary.

• Ability to work safely with samples preserved in formalin or ethanol in properly ventilated situations.

• Possess or develop the ability to: maintain, organize, and work with large data sets; analyze and evaluate data using a personal computer and software including Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, EndNote, R, SigmaPlot and SYSTAT; and to prepare clear and concise data reports and summaries for department reports, and manuscripts for peer review journals, and oral presentations.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting, especially when in the field and at meetings. Must respond favorably to feedback and be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities, within and outside of the department.

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

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:

• Interest in estuarine and marine biology and a commitment to develop and improve knowledge and understanding of the ecology of the San Francisco Estuary and biology of the fishes and invertebrates that inhabit it.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your application package. The SOQ is a discussion of your experience as relates to this position and should be no more than 3 pages in length, 12 point Arial font. It should address each topic listed below; your experience in each area can be from school (including classes), work, or as a volunteer or intern. Applications received without a completed SOQ will not be considered. Please include your name on your SOQ.

1. Describe your experience sampling fish and aquatic invertebrates in the field and processing biological samples, especially identification of fish, crabs, and shrimp. Sample processing can be in the field, laboratory, or both. Include your length of experience for each example.

2. Describe your experience working with and studying fish and aquatic invertebrates and marine and estuarine ecology, in addition to field work and processing samples. Include your length of experience for each example.

3. Describe your experience managing, summarizing and analyzing data, including the statistical tools you have used to analyze data. Include your length of experience for each example.

4. List the scientific reports and papers that you made a significant contribution to. Please describe in some detail one of these reports or papers; why was the work done and what were the most important findings or conclusions?

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 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.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.