Entry Level Marine Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you love to work outdoors and have a passion for marine biology? Are you a student or graduate with a passion to learn more about marine science and standard data collection procedures? Have you been looking for the right entry opportunity to start your career with CDFW? If you answered yes to any of those, we have a job for you!
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Marine Region has statewide opportunities for Marine Fisheries Samplers to gather data for the California Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS). Using standardized survey protocols, this position will independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps, docks, piers, jetties, beach/banks sites and commercial passenger fishing vessels (CPFV). Specifically, this position will identify finfish and invertebrates to species and collect lengths, weights and other biological data as needed; then review, edit, and submit data to lead staff for review and data entry. Standard survey protocols and fish identification training will be provided.
This position may be filled in the following counties: San Francisco County or San Mateo County
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.
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 .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Work environment is variable and can include commuting in a state or personal vehicle, collecting scientific data in all weather conditions, handling and lifting equipment, sampling at sea on fishing vessels, and performing clerical and scientific work using electronics and computer equipment in an office setting or field environment. Working on weekends is required. Travel of 10% is required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel is subject to short notice deployment with overnight stays which is dependent upon departmental need.
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-528818
Position #(s):
565-772-0835-905
Working Title:
Marine Fisheries Sampler
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:
1
Work Location:
United States
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 - Two years of college (60 semester units) with 10 semester units in biological or chemical sciences
- Working irregular hours including on weekends and holidays is required
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Reliable transportation
- Possession of a valid driver license
- Ability to lift or elevate up to 40 pounds
- Ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes
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: 8/27/2026
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 (PO Box)
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.
• Other -
  A Supplemental Questionnaire is required .
  To be considered for this position, you must submit a Supplemental Questionnaire. Please clearly title the document "Supplemental Questionnaire_Your Last Name" and put the name you used on your application at the top of the page. Responses should be single-spaced, in Arial 12-point font and limited to the maximum number of words specified.
  Supplemental Questionnaire:
  1. Describe your experience conducting scientific field surveys. (e.g., trainings, courses, research studies, sampling of recreational or commercial fisheries). (maximum 250 words)

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:
- Ability to identify marine fish species
- Good organizational skills and ability to keep accurate records and meet deadlines
- Ability to interact positively with the public
- Ability to sample onboard vessels at sea
Special Personal Characteristics:
Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing field work throughout the State; willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform.
Special Physical Characteristics:
Physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes; ability to function in rough seas without incapacitation due to seasickness; and ability to lift 40 pounds.
Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to collaborate and coordinate work in a team setting, communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, interact with members of the public in a professional manner, and communicate effectively with supervisors and leads.
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:
Marc Heisdorf
(707) 483-4568
Marc.Heisdorf@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 565-772-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R7 MR 26-002 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.
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.