Entry Level Sport Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are searching for candidates to fill two Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid or Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid positions on the Central Valley Angler Survey in its West Sacramento office. These positions are part of a team estimating sport fishing effort, catch, and harvest of Chinook Salmon and other anadromous sport fish in the Central Valley. Under the lead and direction of an Environmental Scientist, incumbents will drive motor vehicles, jet powered and drift boats, and kayaks, and perform surveys on foot, to count and contact anglers on the Sacramento River system, including the Feather and Mokelumne rivers.
Following an established protocol, incumbents will interview anglers to collect field data on angling effort, catch, and harvest of anadromous sport fishes; identify and enumerate fish species in the angler catch; collect and record angler and biological data; collect heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon for recovery of coded-wire tags; collect scale and genetic tissue samples from Chinook Salmon for age and stock identification assessments; and check completed data forms and biological samples and submit them to the Environmental Scientist serving as project lead.
Incumbents will also assist the Environmental Scientist with QA/QC of incoming field data and associated biological samples; enter data into an established relational database; and assist in the development of information on angling effort, catch, and harvest in Central Valley river sport fisheries.
In addition, incumbents will maintain records on vehicle and boat use, and assist in the maintenance and repair of field gear, vehicles, boats, and facilities used to conduct the angler survey.
The Scientific Aid & Seasonal Aid classifications are non-testing classifications.
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.
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
• Most of the work occurs in the field, but also in a shop and office environment
• A uniform is required for field work
• Work occurs on both weekdays and weekend days, and days worked vary each month
• Workday length varies, but is typically 6-10 hours, sometimes as long as 12 hours
• Work is mostly outdoors and often under inclement conditions, including rain, wind, near-freezing conditions, and air temperatures near 100°F
• The possession of a valid state driver's license is required to drive motor vehicles, jet and propeller-powered motorboats, drift boats, and kayaks to count and contact anglers on the Sacramento River system, including the Feather River and Mokelumne River.
• Up to 5% travel to drive between the angular survey facility and field locations.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID
• FISH AND WILDLIFE SEASONAL AID

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526615
Position #(s):
565-033-0835-905
Working Title:
CVAS South 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.
Shall Consider:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SEASONAL AID
$18.26 - $19.93
# of Positions:
2
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 • Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekend days and holidays, and to wear a uniform.
• Ability to accurately collect and record data in the field.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., swim 50 yards and tread water at least 5 minutes, perform strenuous field work in remote areas and in adverse weather.
• Possession of a valid state driver's license.
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).
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: 8/7/2026
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 required and must be included.

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:
• Professional or personal experience operating motor boats.
• Previous experience with field data collection.
• Previous experience identifying, handling, measuring, and weighing fish species.
• Previous experience interacting and communicating with the public in a professional capacity.
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:
Erin Ferguson
(916) 210-1920
Erin.Ferguson@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 26-018/019 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.