Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid

Job Description and Duties

Do you have an interest in fisheries science? Want a hands on experience directly sampling iconic salmon and trout populations in some of the most pristine watersheds in the State? This might be your dream job!

The California Department Fish and Wildlife's Northern Region~Coastal Fisheries unit based in Arcata has three openings for Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aids. You could assist a team of scientists working to evaluate salmon and trout abundance and distribution across coastal watersheds. Sample adult salmon and steelhead at weirs, during spawning ground surveys, with high tech SONAR equipment, snorkeling, and during angler surveys. Use nets, traps and snorkeling to sample juvenile fish at different life stages. You would become an expert at species identification while learning the field methods and science of salmonid management.

This position will require a significant commitment to field work, but opportunities also exist for those that want to explore fisheries science by working with the data. You could learn approaches to visualize data, summarize information, and communicate project findings to others. Apply now!

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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The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.

• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.

• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.

• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.

• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Work is restricted to 40 hours per week and limited to a maximum of 1500 paid hours or 189 paid days in 12 consecutive months. 75% of work occurs outdoors in and around rivers and creeks. The remainder of the work occurs in office settings utilizing a computer or in a warehouse setting preparing and organizing equipment. Field work occurs in cold water streams and rivers during potentially inclement weather. Field data collection can last 10 hours or more on a given day. Sampling gear preparation and maintenance will take place in a shop/warehouse environment. Office work will involve sitting and standing at a computer workstation for portions of each day. Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available. Willingness to wear a prescribed uniform.

Special Requirements

Physical strength and agility to hike off trail on uneven terrain; ability to swim 50 yards, be comfortable in or around water, and stay afloat at least five minutes. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.

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:

A bachelor’s degree in Fisheries or similar scientific program desired. Good driving record; additional course work or experience in biological or natural resources sciences; interest studying fish; experience in boating, hiking, snorkeling, taking scientific data and maintaining or repairing equipment; interest in a career in biology or fish and wildlife.

Experience using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and/or other software.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-141-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R1 F 25-083 - 085in 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.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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.