Research Vessel Operator

Job Description and Duties

The Continuous Environmental Monitoring (CEM) unit is seeking an experienced and highly motivated boat operator to pilot research vessels and skiffs for water quality and biological monitoring throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, helping to inform important water resource decisions. This is an exciting opportunity to join  an interdisciplinary team of environmental scientists, engineers, technicians, and other specialists while contributing a dynamic field program and supporting high-quality scientific focused on the restoration, conservation, and management of the San Francisco Estuary.

This full-time position plays an integral role in safely and efficiently supporting field operations, overseeing the maintenance and operational readiness of the program’s vessel fleet, and ensuring the successful collection of high-quality environmental data. Under the direction of the Master, Fish and Game Vessel, the incumbent will assist with identifying and facilitating vessel repairs and routine service, maintaining vessel berthing areas and associated equipment, and keeping accurate records of vessel maintenance, repairs, and related activities.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Incumbent must have sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job. This includes exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time and the ability to: (1) swim at least 50 yards, (2) stay afloat at least five minutes, (3) must be able to move and transport objects of up to 50 lbs. as required, (4) function with incapacitation due to seasickness, (5) have normal hearing and visual acuity, and (6) have normal night and color vision.

This is a sensitive position and is subject to substance abuse training set forth in California Department of Human Resources (CALHR) Regulations 599.960-599.966. This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Federal DOT alcohol and substance abuse testing requirements (including random testing) as set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

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:

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting scientific or environmental fieldwork, including water quality and biological monitoring aboard vessels and skiffs, and working outdoors in remote, rugged, or physically demanding conditions. Experience preparing, operating, and maintaining scientific sampling gear and research equipment is highly desirable. The candidate should have experience operating and maintaining diesel- and gasoline-powered vessels and skiffs, including research vessels at least 50 feet in length, and navigating California inland waters and tidal estuaries, particularly the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Estuary. Mechanical aptitude and experience performing minor vessel repairs and maintenance, coordinating and overseeing repairs and servicing, procuring vessel-related equipment and supplies, maintaining accurate operational records and equipment inventories, and maintaining berthing areas and field support or storage facilities are also desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including experience participating in scientific research projects or special studies, serving in a technical lead or other leadership role, and providing technical guidance to team members. Completion of relevant vessel operations and safety training, such as Marine Operator Training Course (MOTC) or applicable California State Water Project (CSWP) training, is highly valued. Experience developing and maintaining safety documentation, as well as training and mentoring others in vessel operations, equipment use, and safe operating practices, is also desirable.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

Flexible Work Hours

Free Parking

Telework Opportunities

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement

Basic Group Term Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) & 457 plans

Student Loan Forgiveness

Long Term Care

Group Legal Services

We are located in West Sacramento right off Highway 50 close to shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit 

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), cover letter, and resume. Please reference SAP Position #50000494 and Job Control #532472 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The following basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

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 - Cover Letter