Senior Environmental Scientist

The Biogeographic Data Branch seeks candidates for an exciting opportunity to join a team of dedicated wildlife professionals as Lead Ecologist of the Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP). The VegCAMP develops and maintains California's expression of the National Vegetation Classification System, and implements its use throughout the state. Completing a state-wide vegetation map and classification is the current goal of the program.


Under the direction of the Biogeographic Data Branch Chief, this Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) leads the VegCAMP, and directly supervises three permanent positions, as well as various contractors and temporary help engaged in the Program.


As a supervisory position, you would direct the work of professional and technical staff engaged in data collection and compilation, statistical analysis, digital database management, metadata development, and map production. You will use your knowledge in vegetation science to oversee the completion and maintenance of a state-wide vegetation map and classification system. This may require you to accompany staff in the field when necessary and actively participate in the data collection and analysis. As a technical expert, you would also serve on technical teams or special projects, coordinate broadly with other states throughout the nation, participate in training and outreach activities, represent the Department at meetings and workshops, and provide consultation as needed on the distribution, status, and identification of vegetation types and rare natural communities throughout the state.


Join the team that manages one of most critical information tools in the State for conserving California's unique biological diversity!

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory): EXAM LINK
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Ability to direct and conduct biological resource work in the field; travel throughout the state; and work at odd hours. Ability to use a personal computer and keyboard up to 8 hours a day; may involve walking or standing for brief periods to access files, references, and other program materials. In addition to working with Sacramento-based staff, interact with Regional staff and members of the public via e-mail, telephone and onsite. Ability to develop and make effective oral presentations before the public. Ability to drive for up to 8 hours a day. This is primarily an office job, although occasional travel is required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include multi-day remote fieldwork. Must be able to deploy with short notice for extended periods that will include overnight stay.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY) Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement Position Details
Job Code #: JC-425873
Position #(s): ********
Working Title: VegCAMP Supervisor Classification: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY) $10,331.00 - $12,843.00
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, 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:
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: 4/22/2024 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).


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 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
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
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 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 Other - A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application.
Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions.
Applicant must include a two-page single space Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) using Arial 12-font, for this position. The SOQ must include "Statement of Qualifications" in the header, along with the Job Control number and the candidate name.


Question: Describe how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum qualifications per the California State Personnel Board Specifications and the desirable qualifications in the job announcement for this position.
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:

Responsible, adaptable; exhibits integrity and attention to detail; places high priority on personal safety and the safety of coworkers, particularly in the field; can work on multiple priorities with a high level of productivity; has ability to inspire high quality work from scientific team; is an effective verbal and written communicator; shows courtesy, respect and tact towards subordinates, co-workers, and members of the public and scientific community; applies knowledge and abilities to a statewide scope of work; possess a California Driver's License.


Knowledge of species taxonomy, California natural communities, California ecology, and the scientific method; education or experience in vegetation and natural communities conservation and methods of resource assessment; experience with state, federal and local environmental laws, regulations, policies and procedures; experience or familiarity with contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding and administrative processes (fiscal, budgetary) as means to achieve program goals in cooperation with other agencies, conservation organizations and private partners; experience leading or participating in large complex projects (technical or scientific) involving a mix of stakeholder groups; ability to organize and establish workload priorities and work well under pressure. Ability to exercise initiative and flexibility; knowledge of office computing and software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS),
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: Hiring Unit Contact:
Carie Battistone


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:
EEO OFFICE

California Relay Service: (TTY), (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 ******** and RPA Number E-BDB 23-011 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.

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.
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.