Sierra Bighorn Quantitative Biologist
Are you looking to use your mix of field and analytical skills to recover endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep? The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Environmental Scientist in the Sierra Bighorn Recovery Program.
The position will focus on Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep but will also include work on their predators. Data collection will include field work such as helicopter and ground surveys (hiking and backpacking). The incumbent will be responsible for wildlife management and analysis of large spatial and demographic datasets; excellent R coding is essential.
The incumbent will run Bayesian integrated population models that use estimates of abundance, vital rates, and spatial data for Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Participate in captures to deploy GPS collars, collect nutritional data using ultrasonography, conduct disease surveillance and genetic sampling. Use GIS and statistical methods to inform reintroduction efforts. Conduct, and analyze threats to the recovery of Sierra bighorn. Analyze large scale climate data to project and interpret its effects on Sierra bighorn recovery. Analyze environmental, habitat, and predation threats that influence progress towards recovery goals. The incumbent will also assist in maintaining consumptive and non-consumptive uses of wildlife.
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.
Environmental Scientist: Exam Bulletin Link
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Must be able to work in various habitats including but not limited to high altitudes (8,000 - 14,000 feet), arid environments and valley, grassland, conifer and riparian habitats, in inclement weather, and in rugged backcountry terrain during all months of the year. This position will require wildlife restraint certification to chemically immobilize animals. Travel up to 40% multiple nights for fieldwork and will attend meetings and conferences as directed. This position offers the possibility of an office-centered telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy. As a condition of employment, the incumbent may be required to wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW's Operations Manual (Section 12901) for various work situations, including field surveys and public interaction, both within and outside the Region as required by the supervisor.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-537680
Position #(s):
[click to reveal phone number]
Working Title:
Sierra Bighorn Quantitative Biologist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,551.00 - $6,337.00 A
$5,531.00 - $7,718.00 B
$7,000.00 - $9,787.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Inyo 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: [click to reveal website link]
Special Requirements Physical strength and agility; and ability to lift 40 pounds; hiking backcountry skiing at high elevations in rugged terrain.
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: 11/12/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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 [click to reveal website link]. 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
HRB Mailing Address
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
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento , CA 95814
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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 [click to reveal website link]. 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.
- Other -
A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.Please provide a cover letter no more than two (2) pages in length, size 12 point Arial font describing your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the Duty Statement.
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:
- Strong wildlife survey and tracking skills; proficient in quantifying abundance of ungulates.
- Comfortable flying in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
- Experience capturing and handling large mammals.
- Knowledgeable in the use of radio-telemetry and GPS technology.
- Proficient in managing and analyzing large spatial and demographic datasets.
- Strongly proficient in R coding.
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: [click to reveal website link]
Hiring Unit Contact:
Tom Stephenson
[click to reveal phone number]
[click to reveal email address]
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:
Civil Rights Office
[click to reveal phone number]
[click to reveal email address]
California Relay Service: [click to reveal phone number] (TTY), [click to reveal phone number] (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 [click to reveal phone number] and RPA Number E-R6 ESNM 25-001 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.
It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at [click to reveal website link] . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.
Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.
This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.
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.
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.
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
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.