ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Job Description and Duties Vegetation management and wildfire resiliency are statewide priorities. The increase in the frequency and magnitude of fires throughout the state is not only a concern for California’s residents, but for our wildlands and biological resources as well. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has an open position which will implement a monitoring program for vegetation management projects approved under the Governor’s March 1, 2025 State of Emergency. We want you to join our small team within the Habitat Conservation Planning Branch (Branch) located in West Sacramento. Our team works on timber harvesting and fire resiliency policy for CDFW and supports a larger, statewide program of dedicated scientists. Here are some things that you will do:• Assist the Timberland Conservation and Fire Resiliency Program (Program) to implement CDFW monitoring program in response to the Governor’s March 1, 2025 State of Emergency proclamation• Coordinate with CDFW regional staff on monitoring protocols, procedures, scheduling, data, reporting, and guidance• Collect biological data at site visits, sometimes with CDFW colleagues or staff from other departments• Manage, analyze, and report monitoring data• Provide fire policy and internal technical guidance support within the Program• Participate in internal and external working groups, including Program and Branch working groups • Collaborate on fire resiliency activities across CDFW programs and Regions, including working with other CDFW programs to incorporate the impacts of fire into biological resources planning, permitting, monitoring, and restoration• Analyze new legislative bills about fire and biological resources• Participate in Program strategic planning and goal setting• Coordinate with Program staff to respond to California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection proposals• Assist with implementation of the Governor’s California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Action Plan• Conduct research and basic GIS analysis to support Program work• Assist with compliance monitoring projects in coordination with CAL FIRE, the Water Boards, and the CA Geologic Survey; coordinate data collection and assist CDFW Regional Staff with fieldwork This position is office-centered and currently allows for a one day per week telework hybrid option. Required in-office attendance may change based on operational need. The office building is in West Sacramento, Yolo County, with limited public transportation options but free parking available. 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. 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. 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. Special Requirements The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial). 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: A successful candidate will have a broad biological background, excellent organization abilities, proficient writing and communication skills, willingness to take initiative, biological monitoring experience, and be ready to learn and adapt. This position will regularly interact with California law. Ideally, you would be familiar with the following laws: California Endangered Species Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Lake and Streambed Alteration, California Forest Practice Act & Rules.