Don't miss this exciting and challenging opportunity to work in a team setting assessing the biological condition of California streams and rivers. The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Environmental Scientist in the OSPR Laboratory Program (OLP) located in Rancho Cordova. Under the general supervision of the Sr. Environmental Scientist Supervisor, and Sr. Environmental Scientist Specialist, the incumbent will collect biological, chemical and physical habitat data from freshwater habitats throughout California using procedures from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP), US EPA's National Streams and Rivers protocol (NRSA), and the California Rapid Assessment Module (CRAM) and various other field methods of the Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory (ABL). In general, the ABL collects data utilized by state and regional water boards to assess the health of streams, identify stream condition trends overtime, and supports management decisions for monitoring, restoration and protection efforts while reporting findings to the public. Additional detailed candidate qualities and skills are described in the duty statement.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Environmental Scientist
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position can be required to participate in prevention and response training, drills and incidents throughout California, and to be available to deploy/travel with short notice for extended periods (up to 7 days).
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-507153
Position #(s):
565-071-0762-024
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
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:
In Office
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!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements Field work requires the incumbent to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in all types of habitats that may require working beyond a traditional 8-hour workday and may require rigorous back country travel for extended periods of time usually away from home base from periods of 3-4 day per week. Incumbents will be required to hike and traverse on different types of terrain carrying field and sampling equipment that may exceed 25 lbs. for extended distances. May be required to work on different types of watercrafts, operate 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles and trailer.
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: 2/19/2026
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 (PO Box)
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.
- Other - A Statement of Qualification (SOQ) or Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a SOQ or Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.
If submitting a SOQ - must be no more than 2 pages in length, 12 pt. Arial font, and address the following question:
Describe your experience conducting general field work, writing reports and software applications in the field of science.
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:
Demonstrated ability to act independently; excellent communication skills (verbal and writing); analytical; open minded to ensure observations and data support decisions; keen observer; resourceful; self-motivated; adaptable; and physical stamina.
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:
Shawn McBride
(916) 580-5245
shawn.mcbride@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 565-071-0762-024 and RPA Number E-OSPR 25-014 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.
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.
