Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at:

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid telework option, in accordance with CAL FIRE’s telework policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

• The incumbent must be absent of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of an Environmental Scientist. Persons unsuccessful in the required medical exam cannot be appointed.

• Required travel will not exceed 5%.
  

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Possession of a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.)

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

1. Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

2. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

The minimum qualifications can be found in the  Environmental Scientist  classification specifications.

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:

• Subject Matter Expertise in one or more of the following natural resource areas is preferred: Rangeland ecology and management, Ecology of chaparral or oak woodland ecosystems, Wildlife habitat/ecology, Water resources, Forest management, and Fire ecology.

• Good communication skills including experience writing scientific reports or manuscripts and experience presenting results at meetings or conferences

• Experience or proficiency with geospatial analysis and data display, data management and scripting, and statistical analysis.

Benefits

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

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Supplemental Questionnaire – Environmental Scientist

Please provide written answers to the following questions in your own words. The response should be concise and not exceed two pages in length (12-point font and single-spaced preferred format). The response should incorporate your knowledge, skills, and experience that are relevant to the position.

1. Please describe your work experience and level of expertise in one or more of the following fields: Rangeland ecology and management, Ecology of chaparral or oak woodland ecosystems, Wildlife habitat/ecology, Water resources, Forest management, or Fire ecology.

1. Describe your academic or work experience in using geospatial or field data to evaluate status or trends related to ecosystem health, wildfire, or related environmental issues. Be specific about data collection methods, statistical methods used, and any data visualization techniques. List any publications or reports generated from the projects described.

1. Describe an experience that demonstrates your effectiveness in communication and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to meet operational and/or research needs. Include any experience presenting research findings to interested parties.

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 Supplemental Questionnaire is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Failure to include the Supplemental Questionnaire as required shall result in disqualification from the hiring process. Please see the section labeled "Supplemental Questionnaire" for further information.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Remote work

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