What are the responsibilities and job description for the FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID position at Department of Fish and Wildlife?
The statewide field crew participates in a wide variety of projects throughout the state. This program provides the opportunity to travel to some of the most striking and remote locations of California and may require car camping, backpacking, and pack stock supported trips*. This is a great opportunity to learn multiple survey techniques including: drought and fire impact assessment, electrofishing, snorkeling, angling, collection of scales and genetic tissue, eDNA collection, gill netting, collection of benthic macroinvertebrates, and creel census.
Candidates must possess a strong ability to collect and accurately record field data, follow protocols, identify freshwater fish species, operate and maintain survey equipment, exercise safety while in the field, and maintain a professional and personable demeanor. More information on the Heritage and Wild Trout Program can be found by checking out our website (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Inland-Fisheries/Wild-Trout), as well as the Program's recruitment video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MBCALcwlcY&t=311s&ab_channel=CaliforniaDepartmentofFishandWildlife).
- State vehicles and camping equipment are provided and travel expenses including lodging and food are reimbursed for overnight travel.
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- Field work is strenuous and physically demanding, requires heavy lifting (50 pounds) for extended periods, and working in adverse weather conditions.
- Field surveys will require travel to remote backcountry locations including hiking in mountainous terrain. Overnight accommodations may include tents, hotels, or travel trailers.
- Working on weekends and holidays may be required.
- Staff may be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as N95 masks, while performing tasks due to COVID-19 and/or fire safety protocols.
- Field surveys will require working in swift water including swimming, wading and boating (jet boats, kayaks, and pontoon boats). Cold water conditions may require the use of wetsuits.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
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
- Ability to interact with the public and maintain a high level of professional integrity.
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: 2/4/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- Degree and/or School Transcripts
- Other -
A Valid Driver's License is required. Please provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your Driver's License (DL), clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL number, class, and expiration.
- 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.
- Statement of Qualifications - SOQ must be no more than 1 page total, size 12 point Arial font. Please answer the following questions:
1) Describe your experience with collecting field data and following standardized biological field protocols.
2) Successful applicants will be hiking and camping in remote back country locations for up to 8 days at a time throughout the field season. Please describe how your personal and/or professional experience has prepared you for this position.
3) How did you hear about this position?
Desirable Qualifications
- Career interests in fisheries management.
- Enthusiasm for monitoring fish populations in remote locations.
- Experience fishing.
- Experience towing and maneuvering trailers.
- Ability to follow established sampling protocol and accurately collect and record field data.
- Ability to identify CA freshwater fish species and/or utilize fish keys for identification.
Benefits
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:
Farhat Bajjaliya
(916) 215-5330
Farhat.Bajjaliya@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
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.
Salary : $18 - $21
