Job Posting: Research Scientist
Department of Fish and Wildlife
JC-521738
RESEARCH SCIENTIST
$6,942.00 - $9,799.00 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: 6/28/2026
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job
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Job Description and Duties
Interested in joining the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL)? Have a passion for native wildlife and conservation? Come join our diverse team!
Under the supervision of the Environmental Program Manager I at the Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL), this position will assist the Senior Wildlife Veterinarians and the statewide lead Human Dimensions scientist (Research Scientist III) in implementing objectives for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Zoonotic Disease Initiative grant (G2398112) awarded to the CDFW WHL to assess wildlife health and zoonotic disease capacity needs and create a statewide framework for addressing those needs. See Duty Statement to learn more.
Link to Class Title Exam: Research Scientist/Exam Bulletin
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:
Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR.
This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.
This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.
During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays (5%) and to travel in performing steering committee meetings and fieldwork throughout the State. Field activities may include strenuous physical activity in variable weather conditions for up to 10 hours. Ability to work outdoors in remote areas with uneven terrain. Ability to lift heavy and irregular items (up to 40 lbs.) required. Ability to drive for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours) if required. Possession of a valid driver license required. Office setting requires using computer keyboard at least several hours a day and involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Occasional meetings at Sacramento-area offices required. In addition to working with Sacramento-based staff, may interact with Branch and Regional staff and members of the public, in the field, via email and telephone. Will primarily work in a laboratory setting and/or remotely. The position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as CDFW staff.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-521738
Position #(s):
565-035-5582-905
Working Title:
Research Scientist
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST
$7,625.00 - $9,799.00
$6,942.00 - $8,922.00 A
$7,625.00 - $9,799.00 B
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term, Part Time - 1/2 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!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrate open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Good time management skills. Excellent organizational skills. Follow directions precisely. Responsible, with the ability to conduct work thoroughly and with attention to detail.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to work independently and in team setting for extended periods of time. good communication skills, Shows courtesy, respect and tact towards co-workers and members of the public.
The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).
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: 6/28/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
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:
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.
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.
Provide brief SOQ (1-page) with the following information. Include academic, volunteer, and paid experience.
1) Describe a project in which you analyzed survey data and translated the findings into a report or set of recommendations. How did you decide which insights were most important to highlight for stakeholders?
2) Give an example of when you provided subject matter expertise to guide collaborative efforts across multiple organizations. What frameworks or models did you draw on, and how did your input help the group move forward?
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 job posting.
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:
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Brandon Munk
(916) 261-2124
Brandon.Munk@wildlife.ca.gov
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
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Filing Instructions
You must reference Position Number 565-035-5582-905 and RPA Number E-WLB 25-040 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 https://jobs.ca.gov. 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.
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.