Environmental Scientist - Bear and Big Game Biologist
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
Interested in a job that allows you to see parts of beautiful California and participate in scientific efforts to conserve game species, such as bear, elk, deer and more, while working in a dynamic team of motivated people? Then this may be the job for you!
Assist with conducting captures to collar animals for analysis of movement, vital rates, recruitment and population changes for wildlife species. Use current technology, including radio telemetry and global positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter collars to quantify geographic distribution. Capture bears using culvert type and other box or cage traps, and fit and deploy wildlife collars equipped with GPS that will collect data over multiple years. All captured and collared wildlife will be assessed for physical condition and standardized morphometric measurements recorded, have blood drawn for disease analysis and genetic archiving. Coordinate and guide efforts by Department field staff, contractors, seasonal staff, and volunteers assisting with surveys and captures. Collect and use GPS and geographic information system (GIS) data for informing model distribution and habitat use and selection. Use results of analyses to contribute to recommendations for informing program decisions. Complete and provide training in these and other areas as needed.
Assist with conducting analysis of field data, which may include using GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to navigate to remote areas as well as radio telemetry equipment to locate collared animals. Oversee quality control of processed data collected in the region. Implement surveys of Big Game mammals throughout the Bay Delta Region. This may include collecting fecal DNA, hair, and other biological samples supporting wildlife captures, and managing trail cameras. Train other staff in collecting protocols and data stewardship. Coordinate with researchers at universities, non-governmental organizations, and federal agencies to leverage existing data sets.
Download and process GPS collar and camera trap data collected. Coordinate compilation, organization, and maintenance of statewide databases and spreadsheets. Oversee quality control of data collected in the field. Use GPS/GIS data to assist with analysis and progress reporting. Support the development and use of central repositories for biological and scientific data with a focus on collar data and trail camera photos. Help organize data and facilitate the development of strong scientific research. Support and maintain scientific literature repository.
Provide support with procurement needs for the organization to be able to conduct wildlife research. Support maintenance of equipment for safe field. Maintain assets and other related records.
This position is a 12 month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.
If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.
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.
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
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Must be willing to work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Ability to use a computer keyboard in a sitting and/or standing position several hours a day. Ability to lift heavy and irregular items up to 40 pounds. Will interact with regional and branch staff, and members of the public via e-mail, telephone, and in person using best practices. Must attend periodic meetings. Required to wear a CDFW uniform on a regular, continuing basis. Field activities may involve strenuous physical activity in variable weather conditions. Field conditions will seasonally differ; data management may occur during inclement weather or when data needs to be completed to aid analyses. Possession of valid driver license required. Ability to drive a motor vehicle up to 8 hours. Must be vaccinated against rabies virus and maintain adequate current antibody titer or willing to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations. Must feel comfortable with potential close contact with imperiled and/or confined wild animals. Must complete mandatory wildlife capture training and firearms training within 6 months of hire. This is a full-time, limited term position for up to 12 months.The position may be extended to a maximum of 24 months.
This position is located at the Bay Delta Region field office in Santa Rosa, CA and offers the possibility of a telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.