ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California•Sacramento, CA

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

If rivers could speak, they'd tell stories of resilience-and we'd like you to help write the next chapter. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Instream Flow Program has an opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Scientist to join the Flow Implementation Unit in West Sacramento. This position supports statewide implementation of the California Environmental Flows Framework (CEFF), a science-based approach for defining and managing streamflow needs that protect aquatic ecosystems. The Environmental Scientist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop instream flow criteria using both desktop and field-based methods. Key duties include analyzing hydrologic data, developing flow statistics, assessing natural and human-caused impacts, and applying coding and statistical tools (e.g., R or Python) to support defensible, transparent flow criteria. The incumbent will also coordinate with the state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and NGO partners to convey flow information and support integration of CEFF tools into statewide water management and policy decisions. This position offers the opportunity to build technical expertise in hydrologic sciences, gain practical experience in California water policy, and contribute to the protection and restoration of stream ecosystems throughout the state. 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 posted in the following counties: Yolo and Sacramento County. You only need to apply to one county. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Requirements

Must be able and willing to conduct seasonal fieldwork involving walking through stream channels in waders, hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain, carrying heavy equipment to survey and/or sample locations, and working extended hours with overnight stays.
Ability to swim required.
Must be able to conduct office work involving use of a computer keyboard for several hours a day, usually sitting, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
Must attend meetings and work with staff throughout the State.
May be required to wear a uniform identifying the employee as Department staff.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework consistent with current State and Department policies.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of hydrology, aquatic ecology, and environmental flow science.
Experience analyzing streamflow data and developing flow statistics using R, Python, or similar tools.
Familiarity with the California Environmental Flows Framework (CEFF) or other desktop hydrology assessment methods.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
Ability to work effectively with state, federal, academic, and NGO partners on water-related projects.

Responsibilities

analyzing hydrologic data
developing flow statistics
assessing natural and human-caused impacts
applying coding and statistical tools (e.g., R or Python) to support defensible, transparent flow criteria
coordinate with the state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and NGO partners to convey flow information and support integration of CEFF tools into statewide water management and policy decisions