Overnight Fish Tagging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Branch is seeking motivated candidates for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) position. This position serves as the subject matter expert and coordinator for efforts to incorporate Parentage-Based Tagging (PBT) into existing or new salmonid monitoring programs and anadromous hatchery practices for the purposes of conservation, mitigation and enhancement of California's salmon fisheries. The incumbent will provide coordination and expertise for developing, implementing and integrating PBT into anadromous hatchery practices, coordinating tissue sampling in recreational and commercial fisheries, escapement, and emigration monitoring surveys. Coordinate with internal programs, and state and federal partners, ensuring that monitoring activities are scientifically sound and aligned with management needs.
The position will provide technical expertise to interagency workgroups, participate in evaluating hatchery release strategies and interpret and communicate genetic analyses for application in fisheries and hatchery management. The position oversees the development and management of long term genetic databases, working closely with IT staff and genetic laboratories to establish data sharing agreements and integrate data systems. Responsibilities include conducting data analyses, ensuring data quality, and preparing presentations, technical reports, and annual summaries. The incumbent may also contribute to peer reviewed publications.
Candidates should demonstrate strong initiative, professionalism, and the ability to manage complex projects independently. Effective decision making skills, adaptability, and the ability to work productively with interdisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders are essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to convey technical information clearly and professionally.
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.
Link to Class Title Exam: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) / Exam Bulletin
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
• Position is primarily focused on data analyses and management, both of which often require sitting for long periods of time and maintaining a high level of attention to detail. Work several hours in an office setting (both standing and sitting). Work several hours on a computer.
• Typical working hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Mon-Fri. Occasional fieldwork and time sensitive projects may require travel outside of normal business hours.
• Occasional travel (up to 10%), including some overnight or multi day travel operating Department vehicles to remote locations when working with hatcheries, in the field, or to present at conferences or workshops.
• Possession of a valid State Driver's License is required.
• Telework available in compliance with Department policies.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527206
Position #(s):
565-033-0765-050
Working Title:
Statewide PBT Monitoring Coordinator
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00
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:
Yolo 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
Special Requirements Special Personal Characteristics: Incumbent should be self-motivated with the ability to act independently, Ability to organize information, use logic and reasoning, and critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to solve problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and time management skills are desirable. Ability to effectively manage large, lengthy, complex projects. A high degree of personal initiative, dependability, professionalism, and integrity is expected. Ability to assess situations concerning resource issues and make sound decisions independently. Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams to achieve a common goal. Incumbent should have the ability to listen to and incorporate various opinions and perspectives with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Ability to conduct interest-based negotiation with diverse groups of the public and government. Ability to use creative thinking and adaptability in problem-solving.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work independently and in a team setting. Ability to get along with diverse personalities while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Provides leadership in accomplishing the functions and objectives of the Fish Production, Distribution and Laboratory Program, and ability to collaborate with staff throughout the state. Communicates politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with members of the public and agency staff, and demonstrates excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills. Strong ability to work with people, identify, and assist in the development of partnerships within the Department and with external partners.
Cover Letter:
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: 8/21/2026
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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  Cover letter outlining the criteria below. No more than 2 pages, 12 pt, Arial font.
  1. Explain why you are interested in the job and why you are a good fit for the job.
  2. Explain your experience and skills as it relates to the job.

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:
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 coordinate diverse teams to develop complex plans on a timeline to meet departmental needs. Ability to apply or modify scientific and environmental methods and principles related to anadromous salmonid hatcheries practices and salmon management objectives from the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Constant Fractional Marking/Tagging Program and Pacific Fishery Management Council Salmon Management Plan. Ability to generate and provide written technical reports summarizing goals, methods, results, and recommendations consistent with scientific based studies. Use of spreadsheet, database, statistical software, file sharing programs, and MS Power BI to create, compile, analyze, and present data and analyses for use in reports, presentations, departmental webpages, and other tracking and information sharing settings.
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.
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.
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position. Please include a 1-2 pages, 12-point font, SOQ that describes your experience as it relates to this position/duty statement. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.
Please address the following questions in your SOQ:
1. Describe your experience working with partnering agencies and provide examples of the tools or actions you have employed to increase collaboration, resolve conflicts or achieve shared goals.
2. Provide one or two examples of your experience with salmonid monitoring projects in which you evaluated changes to methodologies or used new technologies, what implications to fisheries management did it have and any mitigation actions carried out.
Filing Instructions
You must reference Position Number 565-033-0765-050 and RPA Number E-FB 25-033 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Applica