SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Job Posting:Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-536945 -

JC-536945 - Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$8,055.00 - $11,269.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/11/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

The Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program is hiring a California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Specialist! The incumbent will work independently and as part of a team to provide high level scientific, technical, and policy expertise to support the conservation, management, and monitoring of marine and estuarine species listed under the California Endangered Species Act. In this role, the incumbent will lead complex scientific analyses to support emergency listings and provisional candidate determinations under CESA, as well as CESA listing petitions, status reviews, five-year species reviews, and recovery planning efforts. The incumbent will also support marine and estuarine habitat conservation by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing biological, ecological, and spatial data; developing regulations, permits, environmental review documents, and policy recommendations; and utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) and other analytical tools to advance the Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program objectives. The incumbent will apply scientific expertise to evaluate how proposed projects may affect marine resources, such as activities related to renewable energy development, oil and gas leasing, port development, dredging, and aquaculture. The incumbent must demonstrate strong planning, organizational, and project management skills; experience reviewing and developing avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures; experience leading and coordinating complex projects and working effectively on teams; the ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships across internal and external groups; advanced analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities; exceptional written and verbal communication skills; and experience conducting scientific research in the marine environment.

"The following office locations will be considered for this position: Eureka, Santa Rosa, San Carlos, and Monterey."

Link to Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Exam: CalCareers

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

The position requires the use of a computer for nearly 8 hours a day, including reviewing and preparing written documents and visual representations of data, and participating in audio and video calls. The position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule depending on operational needs. Occasional (up to 5%) overnight multi-day travel or day trips throughout the State, and potentially other states, is required and may include travel to in-person meetings, compliance inspections, or fieldwork to sites inaccessible by public transportation or ride share. Work assignments may occasionally be subject to short notice deployment, overnight travel, or require early morning or evening work. Fieldwork may require work in adverse weather conditions, on boats, traversing over rugged and slippery terrain, deploying research gear, and handling organisms.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program CESA Specialist

Classification:

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $8,055.00 - $11,269.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

United States

Telework:

Hybrid

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!

Experience conducting scientific research related to California's marine and estuarine species and ecosystems. Able to apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve difficult technical problems, and effectively present recommendations and information. Demonstrated ability to act independently, work on teams, and work effectively with individuals of differing backgrounds, opinions, and skill levels. Able to conduct fieldwork in adverse weather conditions, on boats, traverse over rugged and slippery terrain, deploy research gear, and handle organisms.

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License.The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

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:
Civil Rights Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing a diverse suite of projects simultaneously
• Experience with technical report writing and developing recommendations
• Knowledge or experience related to the California Endangered Species Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, and California Environmental Quality Act
• Experience partnering or working with diverse groups of interested parties and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills
• Open-minded, retains mental flexibility, and high emotional intelligence. Navigates complex and contentious issue with diplomacy and tact.

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

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.