Aquatic Ecologist - California Department of Water Resources
CalCareers Job Announcement
Job Posting: Aquatic Ecologist
Job Ad: JC-536359 - Aquatic Ecologist Environmental Scientist
Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Yolo County
Job Type: Permanent Intermittent - 1500 Hours
A little bit about the position:
This position offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be part of a team of interdisciplinary scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit (AEU) and the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP). AEU conducts long-term monitoring and aquatic ecology field studies in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent is responsible for leading field surveys for the collection of fisheries, invertebrate, water quality, and other ecological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program, affiliated special studies, and other long-term IEP monitoring programs. The incumbent will correctly identify and monitor native and non-native fish and lower trophic communities using a variety of techniques, including use of a rotary screw trap, fyke trap, net tows, and beach seine surveys. Other duties include but are not limited to laboratory processing of water quality, biological, and molecular samples, implementing new quality control measures, maintaining, and troubleshooting field equipment, and preparing technical data reports. Field duties require rigorous physical work under variable conditions.
As a permanent-intermittent position, the incumbent may not exceed working 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Permanent-intermittent (PI) employees are eligible to receive benefits after meeting the required work hour criteria and do receive holiday pay on a pro-rated basis.
Thoroughly review the job announcement for more information on job duties, qualifications, benefits, and how to apply. A link to the Duty Statement is included under the Job Description and Duties section of the announcement.
Questions related to the position or application process can be directed to the Hiring Unit Contact, Rikki Metcalf, at (916) 701-7663 or DISE_HR@water.ca.gov.