Scientific Aid Reserve Naturalist (Fish And Wildlife Scientific Aid)

Job Description and Duties The California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is seeking a Scientific Aid to serve a role as a Reserve Naturalist and help us continue our work to connect students and the public with the wonders of wetlands, woodlands, and the world around them. This position engages with the public and kids of all ages to help them learn about the local natural communities and history of the Reserve. If you’re a people-person who loves engaging diverse communities in conservation actions, we’d be honored if you considered applying! The Reserve Naturalist handles daily interaction with visitors and delivers the K-12 education programs. Duties include: Daily opening and closing of the Visitor Center, greeting guests and orienting them to the Reserve trails while sharing natural history of the Reserve and the work of CDFW. Interpretive/Field: Assist in the development and implementation of interpretive program material for estuarine, freshwater, oak woodland, and grassland habitats. Deliver interpretive presentations and walking tours for the public. Orient the public to the Reserve trails and make suggestions for their visit. Help with on-site public events. Assist Reserve staff with field work on as needed basis. K-College Education: Deliver Reserve education programs to visiting school groups. Outreach: Participate in off-site events Behind the scenes: Maintain Visitor Center exhibits. Communicate with teachers. Assist with trail maintenance. Maintain the entrance and public areas to create a welcoming environment for visitors. Office work: Copy and distribute materials, packets, mailings. Data entry. Monitor and maintain program supplies and equipment. Perform other duties supporting Reserve goals as needed. 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. The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification. • 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. Special Requirements • Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. without assistance• Ability to lead school groups on 2-4-mile hikes This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will 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 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: • Course work in a science related field with strong communication courses or an environmental education or interpretation science classes• Knowledge of local ecology, biology and environmental topics• One year or more experience engaging children (K-6 grade) in outdoor environmental education• Ability to work well independently and as a team member• Comfortable with sharing workstations and resources with other staff, volunteers, and interns• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain positive behaviors and attitudes• Ability to communicate effectively • Strong skills with Microsoft Office programs and willingness to learn additional computer skills as needed • One year or more experience with science courses and/or science curriculum• Experience working with schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz or San Benito counties is a plus• Familiarity and/or direct skills with graphic design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Ph