Fish Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This position is a special and unique opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful watersheds in the state of California, studying and enhancing salmon and steelhead populations primarily in the Eel River and watersheds of the Mendocino Coast. Work is related to state and federal Endangered Species Act listed stocks and management of valued fisheries for the state and tribes on the North Coast. Promoting collaboration with partners in order to leverage collective resources is encouraged. This position stands to make a positive and real difference for trust resources and those that value them. Under the general guidance of the Coastal Fisheries Environmental Program Manager, the incumbent supervises the Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program. The Program includes a broad suite of monitoring, assessment, restoration, and regulatory activities in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. These activities include monitoring and assessment of fish life history, fish distribution, recovery, permitting, ecosystem assessment, restoration planning, and annual sportfish regulations. This position will oversee or support various aquatic resource plans, restoration and monitoring plans, and several monitoring and assessment activities related specifically to the Eel River and potential dam removal. The incumbent manages a complex budget, helps develop and manage large scale ecosystem assessments, and develops and manages complex contracts or grants with ecological scope. As such the position entails significant grant/contract writing and management responsibilities. This includes planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of development and implementation of detailed and watershed-specific monitoring and research programs for salmon, steelhead, and other trout populations. Responsibilities are varied and include analyzing complex environmental issues, requiring a high level of personal initiative in the application of sound scientific methods and ecological principles to natural resource assessment, management, planning and habitat restoration activities. Incumbent will represent the Department in dealings with local, State and federal governmental agencies, Tribal partners, conservation groups and private landowners. Area of geographic responsibility includes all nine Northern California counties that make up the Northern Region, however duties will be largely focused in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. Performance of specified duties requires a comprehensive knowledge of administrative procedures, Department policies, applicable environmental law, and complex ecological principals. Contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive and involve a wide degree of interests. The level of consequence of error in applying the best available scientific knowledge, technical information, and policy may have highly significant and adverse consequences. The incumbent handles personnel issues appropriate of the supervisor classification.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)
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 .
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.
This position may be filled in the following counties: Humboldt or Mendocino county.
This position can be headquartered in Fortuna, Arcata, or Fort Bragg.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Ability to use a computer and standard Microsoft Office software. Use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle and all-terrain vehicles. Spend approximately 80% of time indoors attending meetings, processing emails, phone calls, and documents; spend the other approximate 20% of time outdoors in rugged terrain, hot and freezing conditions, experience biting insects, and some overnight camping. Attend meetings and hearings, work with staff statewide to complete work assignments. Frequent travel is required up to, but not limited to, 5 days per month, based on business needs. Work overtime as necessary. Wear a prescribed uniform as required.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-529785
Position #(s):
565-141-0764-007
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY) $10,854.00 - $13,493.00
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:
Humboldt County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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
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: 9/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). 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
HRB Drop-Off Address (Exams)
Human Resources
715 P Street, 16th Floor Suite 300
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.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.
  Provide a statement of qualifications in cover letter format, no longer than 2 pages in length using 12 point Arial font, that describes your qualifications for this specific position. Qualifications should include experience with leadership and/or supervision, managing large and complicated projects, grant or contract development and management, fisheries monitoring, assessment, and management, as well as collaboration and coordination with state, federal, tribal, or other interested partners. Additional experience with ESA/CESA, CEQA, permitting, and fishery regulation should also 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:
Candidates with education, experience, and training in freshwater fishery population and habitat monitoring, assessment, management, and reporting as well as excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills. In addition, they should be personable and tactful in dealing with a variety of circumstances and individuals. Experience with leadership, supervision, grant writing, and budget or contract management is also desirable, as well as collaboration and coordination with state, federal, tribal, or other interested partners. Additional experience with ESA/CESA, CEQA, permitting, and fishery regulation is also desirable.
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:
Brett Kormos
(707) 483-5924
Brett.Kormos@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 565-141-0764-007 and RPA Number E-R1 F 25-064 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