SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-516018

• Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 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: 5/8/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Inland Deserts Region has an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, independent, and highly motivated Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) - to serve as an integral part of a team implementing the Habitat Conservation Planning Program. This position will perform duties related to Lake and Streambed Alteration, California Endangered Species Act, and other functions of the Habitat Conservation Program throughout Region 6. We are looking for somebody that has a comprehensive knowledge and interest in applying CDFW's mission to manage fish and wildlife resources.

Under the direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) and as part of CDFW's Inland Deserts Region Habitat Conservation Program, the incumbent identifies issues, develops solutions, and coordinates with CDFW and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) staff on compliance with California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and Fish and Game Code section 1600. Primary duties include tracking and reviewing Caltrans' mitigation compliance for CESA and Lake or Streambed Alteration (LSA) obligations, including facilitating approval of Habitat Mitigation Land Acquisition (HMLA) packages and mitigation banking receipts. The position requires broad ecological and regulatory knowledge, involves sensitive stakeholder interactions, and serves as the region's lead on statewide Caltrans related mitigation and environmental compliance efforts.

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist): Exam Bulletin Link

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

Ability to use a computer keyboard and Microsoft office software up to eight hours a day. Travel and fieldwork are required. Field work includes driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle or hiking long distances in rugged terrain. Attendance at site visits, meetings, and internal/external trainings in all five counties in the Region, Sacramento or throughout the State require occasional overnight travel up to 5% to reach some meeting, project, or site locations. Willingness to work long hours, sometimes including early mornings, late nights and weekends. The Position requires the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as CDFW staff when completing fieldwork. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule depending on operational needs.

This position will be located at the Ontario Region 6 Office.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-516018

Position #(s):

565-604-0765-905

Working Title:

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification:

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00

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:

San Bernardino County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

12 Month Limited Term - 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!

Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

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: 5/8/2026

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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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

Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications -

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.

• Other -

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.

Cover letter should describe what interests you about working for California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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:

• Skills: Knowledge of basic principles of land, water, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources research; knowledge of principles of ecology; ability to apply environmental and natural resource principals for the analysis of proposed projects; ability to analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; ability to prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports.
• Special Personal Characteristics: Strong verbal and written communication skills; analytical ability; attention to detail; demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently; high degree of initiative, flexibility, open-mindedness, and tact; ability to develop and maintain productive relationships while working in contentious settings; maintain professional personal appearance; good work ethic; reliability; and leadership.
• Interpersonal Skills: Work independently and in a team setting; communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with other agency representatives and members of the public; demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills to facilitate and resolve conflicts; inspire confidence and effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and managers in government and industry.

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:

Cindy Castaneda

(909) 544-1177

Cindy.Castaneda@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 565-604-0765-905 and RPA Number E-R6 WR SB 25-009 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.

Statement of Qualifications

Provide a Statement of Qualifications no more than one (1) page long in 12 point font, describing your relevant experience pertaining to the duty statement that qualifies you for the position, including knowledge and experience with any of the following: ecology, natural resources, streams, hydrology, fieldwork (including academic, volunteer, or work experience), state or federal environmental laws and regulations, writing ability, exercising sound judgment, and organizing and prioritizing work.

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.