Environmental Scientist

Description: Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), and in coordination with Fisheries Branch Heritage and Wild Trout Program (HWTP), the incumbent plans, organizes and carries out biological investigations focused on protecting and enhancing California’s heritage and wild trout resources, while providing opportunities for high-quality wild trout angling within the Northern Region’s nine counties. These investigations will include fish species composition studies, fish population estimates, fish health assessments, habitat typing and other studies which contribute to the knowledge of special trout populations found within the region. The position requires an extensive working knowledge of the Department’s mission as well as specialized resource knowledge. The incumbent’s work covers a wide geographic area (+23,000 square miles) involving sensitive biological research and program functions necessary to manage politically sensitive fish populations of widespread public interest. Contacts are highly sensitive and involve volatile biological issues of major importance to the State. The position requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment in developing, implementing, and evaluating difficult biological work critical to Department’s mission.

Responsibilities: In coordination with the Northern Region’s HWTP’s Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), the incumbent will plan studies and fieldwork objectives, execute those plans and objectives, and produce ongoing program deliverables which may include, but are not limited to: managing designated heritage and wild trout waters, assessing and recommending new waters to be designated as wild or heritage trout fisheries to the Fish and Game Commission, conducting native and wild trout research and monitoring, evaluating and recommending angling regulations, data entry, analysis and reporting, reviewing and commenting on land and water projects potentially

impacting heritage and/or wild trout populations, collaborating with various agencies, high profile constituency groups, Tribal Nations and the public to develop and implement habitat improvement projects that benefit heritage and wild trout.

The incumbent will conduct the Northern Region’s HWTP fieldwork and studies. Responsibilities will include planning, scheduling, guiding, and overseeing the work of several Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aides who will be conducting field activities, research, monitoring, and management tasks related to trout populations in the Northern Region. The incumbent will assist the Northern Region’s HWTP’s Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) and work closely with other Fisheries Branch and statewide Regional HWTP staff to coordinate, plan,

design, and implement native trout restoration projects. Activities will include planning and conducting statistically sound biological investigations through the application of accepted field protocols and methodologies, which may include boat and/or backpack electro-fishing, snorkeling, setting, and retrieving gill nets, angling, collection of genetic samples, wading, hiking, and

habitat assessments. Incumbent will assist in conducting administrative actions associated with the Northern Region’s HWTP, including budget tracking, conducting necessary meetings, project prioritization planning and implementation, establishing clear and concise goals and objectives, and other appropriate duties as assigned.

Participate in informal (field-based) and formal (talks, sport shows, presentations) public outreach and promotional programs that promote the mission, goals, and accomplishments of the HWTP. Answer HWTP inquiries from the public and assist other HWTP program staff in the design and maintenance of webpages, apps, and other outreach materials.

Qualifications: Possession of a bachelor’s or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.)

Learn more about the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and apply here.