Temporary Data Science R Jobs in Sacramento, CA (NOW HIRING)

Have you wondered how CDFW keeps California's fish population healthy? The CDFW Fish Health Laboratory is searching for an enthusiastic person for a Limited-term Research Scientist to provide laboratory support in fish health. Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor II, the Limited-term Research Scientist will plan, perform, and analyze molecular assays and general bacteriology projects. This includes designing and performance analysis to improved pathogen detection methods and the application for captive and wild fish populations. Other duties include assisting with fish health investigations, assessments, and certification of captive and wild fish populations, reviewing permits for importation and restrictive species, creating and updating standard operating procedures, and database management.
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 is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.
During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.
Link to Class Title Exam: Research Scientist / Exam Bulletin
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
• Position is primarily focused on performing laboratory analysis techniques, data analyses, and management, which often require sitting or standing for long periods of time and maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Work several hours at a time in a laboratory setting (both standing and sitting).
• Work several hours at a time in an office setting (both standing and sitting) on a computer.
• Typical working hours are 8:30 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 overnight or multi- day travel, operating Department vehicles to remote locations when working with fish hatcheries, wild fish, and time sensitive projects.
• Possession of a valid State Driver's License is required to operate state vehicles to remote locations when working with hatcheries, wild fishes to complete field work, and time sensitive projects.
• Ability to walk on steep or uneven terrain to reach field work sites
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Telework available in compliance with Department policies.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528088
Position #(s):
565-033-5582-905
Working Title:
Research Scientist
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST $7,625.00 - $9,799.00
$6,942.00 - $8,922.00 A
$7,625.00 - $9,799.00 B
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - 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 This position requires the lifting of 25 pounds and walking on uneven surfaces on occasion.
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: 8/21/2026
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.

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:
Experience in scientific research discipline, primary focus on molecular techinques such as Polymerase chain reaction, direct fluorescent antibody testing, bacteriology, virology, etc.
Interpersonal Skills:
- The ability to lead small scientific projects.
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:
Kevin Kwak
(916) 204-8215
Kevin.Kwak@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 565-033-5582-905 and RPA Number E-FB 25-032 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.