Nutria Eradication Field Crew Lead (Environmental Scientist)

Job Description and Duties Under the direction of the Nutria Eradication Operations Supervisor, the incumbent will serve as one of the lead field scientists for the Nutria Eradication Program. Nutria are highly invasive and extremely detrimental to the environment, but primarily nocturnal and relatively elusive in low densities. This position will play a critical role in the coordination of field crews conducting nutria surveys and trapping across the southern portion of the nutria infestation. The incumbent will assist the Operations Supervisor with training, leading, and evaluating field crew technicians and scientific aides to survey for, detect, and remove nutria, with the ultimate goal of eradicating nutria from the State of California. The incumbent will lead the team by example in conducting habitat suitability assessments, visual observation and camera surveys, trapping, and electronic data collection (i.e., Field Maps smartphone application), as well as effective use of baits and lures and obtaining entry permits from local landowners. The incumbent is responsible for conducting morning briefings of the assigned crew, tracking daily spatial assignments, and ensuring field staff understand understand project protocols. The incumbent will work with the Operations Supervisors, other field crew leads, and Planning Specialist to evaluate and help refine detection and trapping methods and tools for the most effective and efficient detection and removal of nutria. The incumbent will also closely coordinate with other regions and Department functions, as well as other affected and involved local, State, and Federal agencies. Work includes preparing draft reports and correspondence and answering routine questions from the public relative to Departmental nutria efforts. The primary geographical focus of this position will be in Merced, Stanislaus, Mariposa, and Fresno counties, but work may be assigned in any part of the area of nutria infestation. This position is physically demanding, but highly rewarding given the ultimate accomplishment of protecting California's wetlands, waterways, infrastructure, and agriculture from the devastation nutria have caused in other regions of North America. 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. Link to Environmental Scientist Exam: CalCareers 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. Special Requirements Ability to swim at least 50 yards, stay afloat at least five minutes, and lift 40 pounds. The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).