Environmental Scientist - Nutria Eradication Field Crew Lead
Please apply for this job at the CalCareers link provided in the description below. Applications not submitted via CalCareers will not be considered.
WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS THROUGH HANDSHAKE, PLEASE SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW ON HOW TO APPLY
Job Description and Duties
Under the supervision of the Nutria Eradication Operations Supervisor, the incumbent will serve as one of the lead field scientists for the Nutria Eradication Program. Nutria are highly invasive and extremely detrimental to the environment, but primarily nocturnal and relatively elusive in low densities. This position will play a critical role in the coordination of field crews conducting nutria surveys and trapping across the southern portion of the nutria infestation. The incumbent will assist the Operations Supervisor with training, leading, and evaluating field crew technicians and scientific aides to survey for, detect, and remove nutria, with the ultimate goal of eradicating nutria from the State of California. The incumbent will lead the team by example in conducting habitat suitability assessments, visual observation and camera surveys, trapping, and electronic data collection (i.e., ESRI Collector smartphone application), as well as effective use of baits and lures and obtaining entry permits from local landowners. The incumbent is responsible for conducting morning briefings of the assigned crew, tracking daily spatial assignments, and ensuring field staff understand understand project protocols. The incumbent will work with the Operations Supervisors, other field crew leads, and Planning Specialist to evaluate and help refine detection and trapping methods and tools for the most effective and efficient detection and removal of nutria. The incumbent will also closely coordinate with other regions and Department functions, as well as other affected and involved local, State, and Federal agencies. Work includes preparing draft reports and correspondence and answering routine questions from the public relative to Departmental nutria efforts. The primary geographical focus of this position will be in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties, but work may be assigned in any part of the area of nutria infestation. This position is physically demanding, but highly rewarding given the ultimate accomplishment of protecting California's wetlands, waterways, infrastructure, and agriculture from the devastation nutria have caused in other regions of North America.
Incumbent must be willing and able to competently use firearms as per the Department’s Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel. Must be willing and able to competently use and possess wildlife restraint drugs and equipment. Must wear a Department uniform.
This position is advertised in the following counties: Merced and Fresno. You only need to apply to one county.
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 Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- Must be willing to work atypical hours and on weekends.
- Some overnight travel will be required.
- Must be able to swim, walk through deep mud and thick vegetation, deal with mosquitoes, ticks, and other stinging/biting insects, rattlesnakes and other wildlife, and work on steep or uneven terrain, in extreme weather, and under physically challenging conditions.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.