Come join our team at the Central Valley Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) Laboratory! The CWT Laboratory conducts and assists exciting research that informs fisheries management decisions to promote sustainability while providing public use opportunities (e.g., recreational and commercial Chinook Salmon fisheries). Recovery, extraction, reading and reporting of CWT data is an integral component of the Central Valley Constant Fractional Marking Program. Central Valley CWT data is combined with recoveries from ocean salmon fisheries to evaluate hatchery and natural spawning performance. Successful candidates will also collect and process genetic samples for Parentage-based Tagging and other genetic studies. An understanding of the nuances in anadromous fish life histories will help the qualified applicant in collecting age, growth, life history, and stock identification data. And finally, an understanding that complete and accurate data collection is pivotal to the quality of the data used to help the California Department of Fish & Wildlife make crucial fisheries management decisions will help the qualified applicant in data collection, data entry, and data maintenance.
General duties include:
* Assist in collecting adipose fin-clipped salmon heads at Central Valley Hatcheries (i.e., Feather River, Nimbus and Mokelumne River hatcheries).
* Catalog and process heads taken from adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon sampled in Central Valley escapement and angler surveys, at state-run Central Valley anadromous hatcheries, and in other salmonid monitoring activities in California's Central Valley.
*Retrieve, read, and archive CWTs taken from salmon heads: apply proper techniques and safety procedures for cutting and processing salmon heads, CWT retrieval, decoding, and verification of CWT data.
*Prepare, read, and age scale samples from Chinook Salmon sampled in the Central Valley salmon sport fishery.
*Provide assistance with data entry and verification of CWT reads: validate reads from salmon stocks of special concern and validate all out-of-state recoveries of California CWT releases.
*Other duties may include assisting other CDFW projects, including the Central Valley Genetic Tissue Archive, Salmonid Scale Reading Laboratory, fishery monitoring projects, hatcheries, and escapement surveys.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain experience working in natural resource conservation. Many former Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aids have gained enough experience to be competitive in promoting to permanent positions in the state or in the private sector. The Central Valley CWT Laboratory provides an inclusive and safe working environment and promotes opportunities for collaboration, mentoring and work experience diversification.
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.
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
- Work long hours in the field (typically in a hatchery setting)
- Drive several hours to sample collection sites (typically on paved roads)
- Work outside in all weather conditions
- Work several hours in a lab setting (both standing and sitting)
- Work several hours looking through a microscope
- Work on a computer for several hours a day
- Typical work schedule is weekdays, 8-10 hours per day (not to exceed 40 hours in one week). However, the work schedule may vary, and workdays may include some weekends and holidays. Maximum of 1,500 hours per year and 189 days per term.
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 Job Code #:
JC-525747
Position #(s):
565-033-0835-905
Working Title:
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
Classification:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID $18.26 - $21.67
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Yolo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
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 - Possess good communication skills and be able to get along well with others while working in the field (e.g., hatcheries) or in laboratory settings
- The possession of a valid state driver's license is required to operate state vehicles for travel to meetings, field sites, and hatcheries with necessary equipment to perform data collection and analysis.
- Travel required up to 5% of the time, including travel of a state vehicle to attend meetings, field sites, and hatcheries.
The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).
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.
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: 8/1/2026
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- 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:
- Interest in fisheries or wildlife conservation and management
- Good lab skills, time management skills, and organizational skills
- Experience with laboratory work and data/sample collection
- Aptitude for detail, personal initiative, and the ability to work independently
- Willingness to work irregular hours and flexible schedules
- Familiarity with Microsoft applications, especially Access (relational database)
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:
Mike Brown
(916) 202-5695
Mike.Brown@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 565-033-0835-905 and RPA Number E-FB 26-002-011 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.
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.
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.
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
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.
