Job Description and Duties Under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) for the North Central Region (NCR) Habitat Conservation Program (HabCon), the incumbent would be a Liaison between CDFW and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The incumbent works closely with the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Caltrans Liaison to assist Regional review and permitting of Caltrans projects and ensure compliance with current state laws, regulations, CDFW policy, guidelines and procedures pertaining to the protection of biological resources. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), North Central Region is seeking motivated candidates to fill a Scientific Aid position in the Habitat Conservation Program. The position is located at the North Central Region headquarters in Rancho Cordova, CA. The office is located on the scenic American River steps from the American River Bike Trail and the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, offers free parking, and is in close proximity to light rail service and Highway 50. For those interested in a career with fish and wildlife, this entry level position provides a hands on introduction to California's habitat conservation policies and processes. This position offers professional development opportunities and close collaboration with Region's scientific permitting staff. On-the-job mentoring and training will be provided.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam: Environmental Scientist: Exam Bulletin Link You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions Ability to use a computer keyboard for several hours each day; complete office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking to other locations; attend meetings and conference calls. The position may require field visits at Caltrans construction sites throughout all 17 counties in the Region. Occasional travel is required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include an overnight stay. A valid California's Driver's license is required to drive to project sites and may require travel of up to three or more hours each way including overnight travel, early mornings, and late nights; hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain and use an All-Terrain Vehicle; work in inclement weather.
Special Requirements Must be able to complete training necessary to fulfill job description.
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:
Interdisciplinary Knowledge of: Basic principles of native California flora and fauna and other natural resources research; principles of ecology and biology; habitat assessments, California's special-status species, general and protocol level survey methods for flora and fauna, resource management, hydrology, geology, land-use practices with reference to their general effect on human health, natural resources, and the environment; effects of hazardous and non-hazardous waste material and their interactions on the environment; chemical reactions; California and Federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and requirements; impacts analysis; concepts employed in a variety of disciplines including environmental planning, economics, and resource management; geolocation and geo-referencing software applications, and resource conservation program impacts and implementation strategies.
Ability to: Apply or modify scientific methods and principles; collect environmental data; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review, check, and interpret scientific and environmental reports; analyze situations and take appropriate actions; establish and maintain cooperative relations with all persons contacted; communicate effectively; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of California and Federal environmental protection and resource management programs; assess the impact of proposed State and Federal environmental legislation and regulations; understand principles of risk assessment and risk management; work with professionals from a variety of disciplines within and outside of State government; and review and understand technical research reports on emerging public health and environmental issues.
Special Personal Characteristics: Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent reading comprehension, a demonstrated ability to work independently, high degree of initiative and flexibility.
Interpersonal Skills: Work independently in a team setting; communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary with permit applicants and other members of the public; demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Filing Instructions You must reference Position Number ******** and RPA Number E-R2 HC 23-038in 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.
We recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.
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.
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 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. Degree and/or School Transcripts Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions.
To be considered for this position, you must provide responses to the supplemental questionnaire with your state application. Applications received without completely responding to each supplemental question will not be considered. Answers should be a maximum of one page in length using 12 point font for each question. 1) Please describe your experience with and/or knowledge of native California flora and fauna, both professionally or personally (examples: hobbies, coursework, internships, etc.).
2) Please provide a list of three references who can attest to your qualifications and experience.
Other - A Valid Driver's License is required. Please provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your Driver's License (DL), clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL number, class, and expiration.
