Job Posting: Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
Department of Fish and Wildlife JC-510303 - Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID $18.26 - $21.67 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 3/13/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the supervision of the Nutria Eradication Operations Supervisor, the incumbent will support the Departments Nutria Eradication Program. Nutria are highly invasive and extremely detrimental to the environment, but primarily nocturnal and relatively elusive in low densities. This position is physically demanding, but highly rewarding given the ultimate accomplishment of protecting Californias wetlands, waterways, infrastructure, and agriculture.
As part of a team, the incumbent will contribute to surveys to detect, locate, and trap nutria, with the ultimate goal of eradicating nutria from the state. Duties include:
• Assist Nutria Eradication Program staff with surveying suitable aquatic habitats (wetlands, ponds, river backwaters, sloughs, etc.) to classify habitat suitability, determine property access needs, detect nutria sign or presence, and delineate the current geographic extent of the nutria infestation.
• Survey methods will utilize various detection techniques including, but not limited to, visual observation, camera stations, artificial (vegetation) and wooden platforms, hair snares, use of attractants, baits, and lures, and review of aerial imagery for classifying habitats.
• Utilize project [GIS-based] mobile applications to locate and manage project equipment; identify wetland plants to species; effectively identify potential nutria sign; review camera images; accurately distinguish nutria from other aquatic mammals; using microscopes, identify hair samples to species; follow project protocols and spatial assignments to efficiently cover project management units.
• Follow project protocols to create, review, and edit project data, primarily using a Department smartphone and/or iPad and mobile applications. Data includes, but is not limited to, spatial, quantitative, and qualitative information about trap, camera, platform, and observation locations, trap and camera rechecks, cell habitat classifications and surveys, confirmed detections, nutria taken, and necropsies.
• Assist Nutria Eradication Program staff with nutria eradication trapping in infested areas, which includes deploying multiple types of traps, humanely dispatching nutria, and performing necropsies on taken nutria. This will include management of grid-cell trapping assignments; understanding and following protocols within surrounding cells; collecting data on use of attractants, baits and lures; transporting equipment, carcasses, and live animals; recording/entering necropsy data accurately; and collecting, labeling, and organizing biological samples.
• Construct, clean, organize, and maintain project equipment; make lures and scent-based attractants for use in surveys and trapping.
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid Classification
The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification. The language below is required for these NT classifications.
• 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.
Working Conditions
Must be able to swim, walk through deep mud and thick vegetation, work on steep or uneven terrain, in extreme weather and under physically challenging conditions. Must be able to work odd hours/days (weekend work will be required), be able to lift 40 pounds, and be capable of driving a State-owned vehicle. Must be willing and able to competently use pellet pistols or firearms as per the Department's Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel. Must possess valid Drivers License and be able to safely and effectively operate watercraft and UTVs, as well as tow trailers. Overnight travel will be required. Workdays are limited to maximum of 1500 or 189 days. Manual labor and cleaning will be required. Data entry will be required. Boating, kayaking, and wearing waders in the water are a major component of the job. The primary geographical focus of this position will be in San Joaquin, Sacramento, Contra Costa, Solano, Alameda, and Calaveras counties, but work may be assigned in any part of the area of nutria infestation.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-510303 Position #(s): 565-384-0835-905 Working Title: Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid Classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID $18.26 - $21.67 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of Positions: 4 Work Location: Solano County Telework: In Office Job Type: Non-Tenured, Intermittent 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!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Must be able to feel comfortable interacting with members of the public and working with diverse people in a dynamic work environment. Must be able to focus on long involved tasks such as data entry and be willing to deal with dirt, mud, dead animals, animal blood/feces, and steps necessary to properly clean and store equipment. Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing field work throughout the State; willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform.
Selected Candidate Requirements
The selected candidate may be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration. The selected candidate may be required to provide a copy of their Degree/Official Transcripts.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 3/13/2026
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Fish and Wildlife HRB Mailing Address Attn: Human Resources Branch P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Fish and Wildlife Closed Drop Off Location Human Resources Branch Temporarily Closed See Filing Instructions
Sacramento, CA 95814 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. • 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. • Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this