This Environmental Scientist opening in CDFW’s Upland Game Unit combines wildlife science, data systems, field work, and public-facing technical communication. The scientist is expected to improve how upland bird populations are monitored, analyze harvest and population information, support adaptive management, and turn technical results into reports, presentations, tools, and data products that other staff and the public can use.
The role is based with the Wildlife Branch headquarters in West Sacramento, but it is not purely an office analytics position. The posting includes rugged field conditions, statewide coordination, occasional overnight travel, and the physical ability to move equipment and reach remote survey locations.
The Science Has to Answer Management Questions
CDFW is looking for someone who can identify data gaps and design monitoring approaches that make management decisions stronger. That can include population assessment, evaluation of harvest information, and development of adaptive strategies rather than analysis for its own sake.
A good candidate will be able to explain how a monitoring method connects to a management question: what is being measured, why the method is appropriate, how uncertainty is handled, and how the result changes a recommendation. Experience with upland game is directly relevant, but the posting’s broader signals also favor scientists who can build repeatable workflows and make their methods understandable to others.
Large and Spatial Datasets Are Part of the Assignment
The desirable qualifications point to work that goes beyond spreadsheets. CDFW lists experience with ecological modeling, R Shiny, public datasets, autonomous recording-unit data, and large spatial files as useful backgrounds. The official duties also call for better tools for collection, processing, visualization, and delivery of wildlife data.
- Develop or refine monitoring protocols.
- Analyze population and harvest datasets.
- Improve data-management and visualization workflows.
- Create accessible tools or outreach materials for nontechnical users.
- Present technical findings to staff, partners, and the public.
Field Ability Still Matters
The work may require driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle or ATV, hiking cross-country in rugged terrain, working in hot or freezing conditions, dealing with biting insects, and occasionally camping overnight. The posting also notes the ability to lift objects up to 40 pounds and hike up to three miles to access sites.
Irregular hours, including some weekends or holidays, can occur. Anyone applying primarily for the analytical side should be comfortable with the fact that the position connects field observations and monitoring logistics to the data used later in the office.
The SOQ Is a Technical Work Sample
CDFW requires a one-page Statement of Qualifications in 12-point Arial. The questions ask about upland-game monitoring, processing large or spatial datasets, and technical guidance that informed management. Treat those prompts as evidence questions: use a concrete project, state what you were responsible for, name the method or dataset, and explain the management result rather than writing a general statement about being passionate about wildlife.
The application package also requires a resume and cover letter. Because the posting instructs applicants to put complete employment history on the STD 678, the resume should reinforce that record rather than replace it.
Submitting the CDFW Application
Use the official CalCareers page to confirm the position and RPA numbers, final filing instructions, and current document list. The vacancy may be used for additional hires under the same job control, but candidates should apply to the advertised role on the terms stated in the live posting.