Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to be a part of instrumental conservation in the great State of California, particularly the great Central Valley? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Central Region is seeking an Environmental Scientist that is motivated, proficient in wildlife, plant ecology and hydrology, as well as, strong writing, communication, and analytical skills to conduct environmental reviews and permitting with a focus on the the California High Speed Train Project, within a collaborative team setting.

In this exciting position you will be a part of California's history. California's High-Speed Rail projects are currently being constructed in Region 4. This position is tasked with analyzing potential impacts of the High-Speed Rail projects in compliance with CESA, CEQA, and F&G Code. Duties include: review of submitted Lake and Streambed Alteration notifications, as required under Section 1600 et. seq of the Fish and Game Code and compliance review of CESA and Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreements reporting requirements.

Specified activities require knowledge of California fish and wildlife resources, ecological principles, water resources management, lake and stream processes, permitting and environmental laws, and administrative procedures and policies. The candidate will apply knowledge of environmental resources, the diverse habitats of the Central Region, and State environmental laws. The successful candidate will require a high degree of personal initiative while working with our team within Region 4. Candidates for this position should have a high level of personal initiative, integrity, strong writing skills, and excellent analytical skills. Become a part of this exciting team within CDFW Region 4!

Link to Environmental Scientist Exam: CalCareers

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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You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard for several hours each day; complete office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking to other locations; attend meetings and conference calls; visit remote locations requiring travel of up to three or more hours each way and sometimes including early mornings and late nights; occasional overnight travel to reach some meeting locations. Must be able to negotiate rough and unstable terrain, conduct physically demanding work and be able to work long hours as needed; site visits may be needed year-round, including during hot central San Joaquin valley summers; must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must maintain in good order all issued program vehicles, equipment, machinery, and computers. A uniform may be required.

Special Requirements

Must be able to negotiate rough and unstable terrain by foot, conduct physically demanding work and be able to work long hours as needed. Field work must be done year-round including during hot central San Joaquin valley and inland desert summers. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle, 4WD, various field and data collection equipment, and be prepared to travel extensively using a state vehicle.

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:

Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrated ability to act independently; maintain a positive attitude and consistent quality of work during times when workload is heavy and under pressure; demonstrate confidence in abilities and decisions; maintain professional demeanor at all times.

Interpersonal Skills: Work as part of a team; ability to follow direction from superiors, work cooperatively with other Department program staff, and federal, State, and non-governmental organization partners; communicate effectively with superiors and coworkers. Strong interpersonal skills are highly desirable. Effective writing skills for various documents (email, reports, permits, etc.), following statewide templates and regional style manual conventions; ability to collect, compile, and analyze complex biological and ecosystem-based data; ability to work positively and effectively with colleagues including administrative and engineering classifications. Ability to pro-actively seek solutions and problem solve is a must.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-431-0762-025 and RPA Number E-R4 ES 26-003 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 . 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.

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.
• 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.