Environmental Scientist, Wolf Biologist

Job Description and Duties

Do you want an exciting, dynamic position working with one of California's most charismatic wildlife species? Do you want to use your field biology skills to promote endangered species recovery and resolve human-wildlife conflicts? The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Northern Region is seeking a highly-motivated individual to assist with the state's growing Gray Wolf conservation program.

This position entails serving as a Gray Wolf biologist for northern California. Key responsibilities include working with the existing Gray Wolf Program biologists to determine the distribution and abundance of Gray Wolves in northern California and their ecological relationships with other wildlife species, prevent Gray Wolf conflicts with livestock production, and contribute to public outreach on Gray Wolf ecology and conservation. The successful candidate will work with a small team of field biologists, driving 4-wheel drive and/or all-terrain vehicles, setting up and monitoring trail cameras, surveying for Gray Wolf tracks, scats and other sign, deploying non-lethal deterrents measures to prevent Gray Wolf conflicts with livestock, and participating in public meetings and other outreach events for parties interested in Gray Wolf ecology and conservation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Contribute to field surveys to document the distribution and abundance of Gray Wolves, including camera traps, hand-held telemetry, and survey for tracks, scat and other sign.

Collect, manage and summarize field data on Gray Wolves, including camera trap videos and biological samples, and contribute to summary reports and management recommendations for CDFW leadership.

Conduct field investigations of suspected Gray Wolf depredations on livestock.

Provide technical assistance to livestock producers on the use of non-lethal measures to deter Gray Wolves from livestock areas.

Participate in public meetings on Gray Wolf ecology and conservation.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

 

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

 

Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

 

Class Title: Environmental Scientist

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

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.

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, typically outdoors, occasionally in inclement weather. Ability and willingness to hike several miles alone in steep uneven terrain, safely operate 4-wheel drive (4WD) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) off paved roads, and fly in small aircraft to conduct field surveys of wolves, other wildlife, and wildlife habitats. Required travel up to 80% throughout northern California and occasionally to other regions of California, with regular camping in informal campgrounds. Must comply with a policy that generally prohibits dogs and other pets in the workplace / field / vehicles unless approved through reasonable accommodation. Ability to lift items up to 40 lbs. Ability to use a computer keyboard in a sitting and/or standing position several hours per day. Must be able to qualify to use a firearm (for chemical immobilization of wildlife); must complete mandatory wildlife capture training and firearms training within 6 months of hire. Must feel comfortable with potential close contact with confined or restrained wolves and other wildlife. May be required to wear prescribed uniform. Use of a state-owned vehicle for travel is required between remote facilities and field sites where public transportation is not readily available.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Department Information

Special Requirements

Application Instructions

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.

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:

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to plan and execute work with a high degree of dependability and initiative. Familiarity with tools and techniques to minimize and prevent conflicts between livestock and large predators, especially wolves. Knowledge of spreadsheet and database software (such as MS Excel and Access, or equivalent). Ability to maintain and repair field equipment and use basic tools.

Interpersonal skills: Able to maintain a positive attitude amidst changing work environments, dynamic schedules, and challenges. Able to work well independently and in a team. Open to constructive feedback and willing to learn. Polite and tactful communication skills with colleagues and members of the public is expected, including with people with diverse viewpoints. Ability to establish and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with wide variety of interested parties including livestock producers, land managers, county and Tribal officials, and staff from state and federal agencies.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

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.