Environmental Scientist, Wildlife Biologist

Job Description and Duties

The incumbent supports comprehensive habitat management and wildlife conservation activities on the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (GIWA). Duties include conducting wildlife surveys to assess species inventory, status, habitat use, production, population trends, and distribution. The position monitors wildlife populations associated with federal and State requirements, including the Federal Assistance (Pittman-Robertson) grant and listed species obligations. The incumbent coordinates with agencies, conservation groups, private landowners, and researchers to access lands and complete resource assessments, providing written reports to guide management actions.

Wildlife habitat management: The incumbent assists with mowing, noxious weed control, species eradication efforts, and the operation of water delivery systems to apply water for flood and irrigation cycles that support wetland habitat and benefit target wildlife species. The position provides biological expertise and best management practices for Suisun Marsh projects related to wildlife, vegetation, water, and threatened and endangered species. The incumbent develops geographic information system (GIS)/global positioning system (GPS) maps for habitat projects, vegetation, invasive species, public uses, and maintains digital resource data for the wildlife area. The role includes leading the creation and updating of Land Management Plans and representing CDFW in meetings related to land use, project development, and resource issues.

Hunting recreation: Includes coordinating regulations, guidelines, and hunter quotas; conducting elk hunter orientations and hunts; collecting biological samples from harvested game, assisting the Game Bird Heritage and Waterfowl Program with special hunt opportunities such as Junior Pheasant hunts; supporting waterfowl check station operations. The incumbent works closely with CDFW staff, volunteer land stewards, and hunters to ensure safe, equitable, and high quality hunting experiences.

The position represents CDFW policies and communicates wildlife management information to partner agencies including Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD), Department of Water Resources (DWR), San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commision (BCDC), United States Geological Survey (USGS), federal partners, private landowners, and Suisun Marsh Habitat Management, Preservation, and Restoration Plan (Suisun Marsh Plan; SMP) participants. The incumbent helps identify habitat projects and funding opportunities and collaborates with agencies on marsh wide resource issues.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Application packages (i.e., STD. 678, resume, and Statement of Qualifications) will be screened for writing quality, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

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

Involves regularly working outside in inclement weather and harsh conditions. Areas include uneven terrain in various environments. Requires ability to operate and drive numerous types of field equipment, boats, kayaks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and 4x4 vehicles; use herbicides and application equipment; and use a computer and keyboard several hours a day. Complete field work as needed to evaluate wetland habitat and wildlife. Requires tolerating ticks and mosquitos. Routine work involves unusual hours and regular scheduling on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during hunting seasons, requiring the ability to change hours of work due to wildlife area activities.

Special Requirements: Requires physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes; and the ability to lift forty (40) pounds. Requires the possession of a valid driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD) on CDFW lands. Requires the ability to operate tractors, mowers, kayaks, John boat, or Whaler, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This position may require a pesticide Qualified Applicator Certification (QAC) within one year of hire. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. The employee is required to live in State-owned housing at GIWA based on the availability of move-in ready units at the time of hire, or as soon as a unit becomes available.

The designated headquarters location of this position is the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Complex in Suisun City, California.

Special Requirements

Requires physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat for at least five minutes; and the ability to lift forty (40) pounds. Requires the possession of a valid driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle with four-wheel drive (4WD) on CDFW lands. Requires the ability to operate tractors, mowers, kayaks, John boat, or Whaler, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This position may require a pesticide Qualified Applicator Certification (QAC) within one year of hire. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. The employee is required to live in State-owned housing at GIWA based on the availability of move-in ready units at the time of hire, or as soon as a unit becomes available.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to act independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Able to perform activities both independently and collaboratively, take and provide direction, and demonstrate responsibility for decisions and actions.

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:

Working knowledge of wildlife area regulations and hunting programs; habitat management techniques and methods for fish, wildlife, plant, and special-status species; species eradication methods; water conveyance systems; and land management practices. Ability to identify waterfowl, wildlife, plant, and special-status species found at the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Complex.

Special Personal Characteristics: Working knowledge of federal and State permitting processes related to the management, restoration, and enhancement of wetland habitat and species, as well as plans and requirements associated with the Suisun Marsh. Ability to collaborate effectively with other State, federal, and county agencies to ensure implementation of the Suisun Marsh Plan, biological permits, and Suisun Marsh Preservation Agreement.

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) is a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skill, and training meet the minimum desirable qualifications to qualify for this position. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, in Arial 12-point font, and answer the following questions:

1. Describe your work experience and/or education conducting wildlife or habitat surveys and implementing on-the-ground habitat management actions (such as mowing, invasive species control, or water management). In your response, include examples of how you used survey results or habitat data to inform management decisions or improve habitat conditions.

2. Describe your work experience and/or education coordinating hunting programs, working with hunters, or supporting public recreation on natural resource lands. Discuss any roles you’ve had in setting regulations or quotas, conducting orientations, collecting biological samples, or assisting with special hunt opportunities (e.g., youth hunts, waterfowl check stations).

3. Describe your work experience working with multiple agencies, partners, or landowners on natural resource or land management projects. Describe your communication approach in meetings or public settings and summarize your experience preparing administrative documents such as reports, budgets, permits, or purchase requests. Include any experience supervising staff, volunteers, or seasonal employees.

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.

• 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