Job Description

Are you looking for a challenging position that will take you from Santa Barbara to San Diego working with a diversity of wildlife resources in multiple capacities? The south coast region is seeking an environmental scientist in the cannabis program to work with law enforcement and our partnering agencies to identify and inspect priority areas using biological, hydrological, and other scientific methods. This position will develop and test your biological knowledge, field abilities and technical skills. The program also uses advanced technology to support field work and compliance monitoring including GIS, field iPads, range finders, radios, and other tools. If you are interested a position that integrates biology, environmental review, permitting, data collection and enforcement in a dynamic setting, this position is calling for you. CDFW looks forward to receiving your application for this rare position.




Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor for the Cannabis Program, the incumbent serves in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Habitat Conservation Planning (HabCon) Program and has responsibility for implementing Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) authorizations for cannabis projects focusing on coordinating with Law Enforcement Division and other State and local agencies to address non-compliance and enforcement efforts. In addition to CDFW's LSA program, the incumbent is responsible for reviewing cannabis cultivation and licensing projects for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, California Endangered Species Act (CESA) permitting, and working on watershed restoration in the south coast region. Specified activities require knowledge of California fish and wildlife resources, ecological principles, lake and stream processes, applicable permitting and environmental laws, and CDFW administrative procedures and policies. The incumbent applies an extensive knowledge of environmental impacts, a high degree of personal initiative, and independent judgment. The incumbent is expected to coordinate closely with Habitat Conservation Planning Branch (HCPB) on concerns involving the statewide cannabis program. Public contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive and involve a wide variety of stakeholders.



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/Exam Bulletin

This position may be filled in the following counties:

Orange County/Santa Barbara County/San Diego

.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.

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


Able to work unusual and/or long hours; occasional attendance at evening public meetings; travel frequently; spend multiple days in the field assessing habitat conditions in adverse weather or terrain; walking in and through rural terrain where outdoor cannabis cultivation occur; hiking over rough terrain with no vehicle access; operating a 4WD vehicle off highway, over rough terrain on a weekly basis; operate an all-terrain vehicle occasionally.


Minimum Requirements


You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents


Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-495804

Position #(s):

565-531-0762-024

Working Title:

Environmental Scientist - Limited Term

Classification:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 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:

United States

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


Special Requirements


This position requires an extensive knowledge of environmental impacts, ecological principles, a high degree of personal initiative, and independent judgment. Performance of specified activities will require an in-depth knowledge of CDFW administrative procedures and policies, applicable permitting and environmental laws including the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Endangered Species Act and Fish and Game Code 1600. Public contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive and involve a wide variety of stakeholders. Errors in applying or presenting the best available technical information may have significant consequences for the public, CDFW, and public trust resources. In addition to the above, broad knowledge of the legislative process; California and Federal environmental regulatory and resource management laws, regulations, plans, programs, and policies relating to their program area; resource management practices and techniques; and chemical substances and waste materials and their interactions with and effects on public health and the environment. Ability to apply or modify scientific methods and principles; collect environmental data; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review, check, and interpret scientific and environmental reports; analyze situations and take appropriate actions; establish and maintain cooperative relations with all persons contacted; communicate effectively; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of California and Federal environmental protection and resource management programs; assess the impact of proposed State and Federal environmental legislation and regulations; understand principles of risk assessment and risk management; work with professionals from a variety of disciplines within and outside of State government; and review and understand technical research reports on emerging public health and environmental issues.

This position requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License. Must maintain a clean driving record. 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: 10/25/2025

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:


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.



In no more than 2 pages total in 12 point Arial font, please answer the following:




1) Please describe your experience working in the regulatory field of environmental permitting with biological issues such as plants, vegetation, fish and wildlife. What type of regulations have you worked with?




2) This position works closely in coordination with CDFW and other state/local law enforcement agencies on environmental issues related to cannabis cultivation. Please describe your experience working with other agencies in reviewing projects and enforcing regulations to achieve compliance.
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.
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:
Special Personal Characteristics: Demonstrated ability to act independently, lead and work well in a team setting; apply open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact; reliability and keenness of observation.




Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to motivate staff and encourage teamwork, and a desire to help staff with their technical and professional development. High degree of personal initiative, environmental and work ethic, and team orientation. Skill to: Complete complex environmental assessments dealing specifically with Fish and Game Code and other local, state, and federal violations.
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:

Randy Rodriguez

(562) 342-2143

Randy.Rodriguez@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 565-531-0762-024

and RPA Number E-R5 ES 25-006

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.

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

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.