Local recruitment: Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid (Zooplankton Study)

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Stockton, CA, USA 🇺🇸

Job Description and Duties

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid will work with a group of scientists studying the abundance and distribution of zooplankton (fish food) in upper San Francisco Estuary. The Zooplankton Study is a long-term monitoring survey that is part of the Interagency Ecological Program for the San Francisco Estuary (see www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Delta/Zooplankton-Study).

The majority of time will be spent in the laboratory preparing, sorting, and processing zooplankton samples collected from the upper San Francisco Estuary. Includes working with preserved samples using a dissecting microscope, recording data, filtering and rinsing samples, and preparing for field work. For 3 to 6 days per month, will assist in sample collection from a 60′ research vessel in upper San Francisco Estuary.

This includes setting and retrieval of sampling gear, rinsing and transferring samples from nets to sample jars, collection of environmental parameters, recording data, and cleaning sampling gear and vessel. Field days may be 12 to14 hours long and start early in the morning.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Using a computer, computer keyboard, and dissecting microscope for most of the workday, 5 days a week, when in the laboratory. Involves sitting most of the day; however, may involve walking or standing for brief periods. For 3 to 6 days a month, work aboard a research vessel collecting, sorting, and processing biological samples, which may be in inclement weather and rough seas and require long working days, up to 14 hours a day. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid driver license, and be willing to travel using a state vehicle, often early in the morning. Wearing a Department of Fish and Wildlife uniform is required as a condition of employment while conducting field work and public work duties. This position is located at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife office in Stockton, California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-445561

Position #(s):

565-323-0835-905

Working Title:

Zooplankton Study – Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid

Classification:

FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

$17.73 – $21.04

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

San Joaquin County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Non-Tenured, Intermittent

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!

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • Ability to to process biological samples using a dissecting microscope up to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. 
  • Ability to work with samples preserved with formalin or ethanol in properly ventilated situations up to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
  • Ability to collect and process biological samples and function in rough seas in a variety of weather conditions without incapacitation due to seasickness. 
  • Ability to move, deploy, and retrieve fishing gear and samples weighing up to 40 pounds repetitively on a research vessel.
  • Good driving record and valid driver’s license required to drive State vehicles. The position requires a valid driver’s license.

Please see instructions under Required Application Package Documents below. ***NOTE*** Image files are not compatible with the upload portal. Please upload the photocopy document as a PDF or paste and save photos in a Word document.

Prospective applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification (see link above) through Pattern I of the Classification Specifications must upload a copy of their (unofficial) transcripts. Those who meet the MQs through Pattern II may bypass the transcript requirement in the uploads page and enter the following reason: I meet the MQs for this classification through Pattern II of the Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid Class Specs.

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: 8/28/2024

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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

Attn: Human Resources Branch

P.O. Box 944209

Sacramento, CA94244

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Human Resources Branch

P.O. Box 944209

Sacramento, CA94244

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Other – A Valid Driver’s License is required. Please provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your Driver’s License (DL), clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL number, class, and expiration. 

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:

Experience using common laboratory equipment, including microscopes, balances, and meters. 

Experience working on boats.

Special Personal Characteristics: Ability to focus on tasks that require concentration in a busy laboratory setting; interest in learning about the fishes and invertebrates of San Francisco Estuary.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work independently and collaborate and communicate with other laboratory and project staff; must work well with others and respond favorably to feedback.

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:https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
Dennison Gallardo
(707) 815-5579
Dennison.Gallardo@wildlife.ca.gov

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
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Filing Instructions

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov.  If applications are mailed, it is recommended that they are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.   Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions – list the Position & RPA Numbers (submit transcripts and driver’s license information, if applicable) may not be considered.  Only apply for one Job Control (JC) per application.

Please reference Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid – 565-323-0835-905 and E-R3 SO 23-048 JC-445561  on your application.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

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.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

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