Job Announcements

CalCareer Job Announcement

Job Posting: Wetland Restoration Ecologist
JC-536294 - Wetland Restoration Ecologist Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Final Filing Date: 11/10/2026
# of Positions: 2
Work Location: San Joaquin County
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fish Restoration Program (FRP) Monitoring Team has two brand new Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) positions available in the Bay-Delta, Stockton office. The FRP is seeking two creative, curious, and collaborative scientists to help drive cutting edge ecological analysis, interagency coordination, and field base discovery related to tidal wetlands restoration across the San Francisco Estuary.

Carefully review the job announcement for more information on qualifications, eligibility, job duties, and how to apply.

Questions related to the job or the process to apply, can be directed to the Hiring Unit Contact, Stacy Sherman, at (209) 470-2906 or Stacy.Sherman@wildlife.ca.gov.

CalCareers Job Announcement

Job Code and Working Title: JC-535803 - Fisheries Ecologist
Classification: Environmental Scientist
Work Location: Yolo County
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The California Department of Water Resources has an opportunity for a Fisheries Ecologist (Environmental Scientist) available in their Aquatic Ecology Unit. The final filing date for this announcement closes 11/3/2026.

A little bit about the position:
This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team of interdisciplinary professional scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit (AEU), working across a diverse range of field, laboratory, analytical, and research activities. AEU conducts innovative aquatic ecology research and long-term monitoring in the Yolo Bypass and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent is responsible for leading the collection of fisheries, invertebrate, water quality, and other ecological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program using gear such as a rotary screw trap, fyke trap, beach seines, plankton nets, and water quality instruments. The incumbent will lead field crews, operate boats and specialized sampling equipment, troubleshoot field challenges, and process chemical, biological, and molecular samples in the laboratory.

In addition to supporting long-term monitoring, the position will have opportunities to lead and contribute to novel research through special studies, from developing study plans and sampling approaches to analyzing data and communicating findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations. This position requires adapting and modifying field methods to meet changing demands or situations, while maintaining high standards for safety, data quality, and permit compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to address complex aquatic resource management questions.

Review the job announcement for more information on the job description and duties, desirable qualifications, and how to apply.

Questions

Questions related to the position can be directed to the hiring unit contact, Gareth Johnson, at (916) 882-0989 or DISE_HR@water.ca.gov.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is filling the vacancy of the Smelt Team Supervisor (Senior Environmental Scientist, Supervisory) within the Water Branch's State Water Project Permitting Program. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in leading a team of scientists dedicated to managing California's water for native fishes of the San Francisco Estuary, specifically Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt.

CalCareers Job Announcement: JC-535352 - Smelt Team Supervisor
Final Filing Date: 11/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills and a background in fisheries biology and the California Endangered Species Act to lead the Smelt Team within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's State Water Project Permitting Program.

The Smelt Team Supervisor will oversee implementation of, and compliance with, the federal and state endangered species acts for the Central Valley Project (CVP), State Water Project (SWP), and the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). They will collaborate with State, federal, academic, and/or colleagues to implement and review the scientific and administrative aspects of water project operations, covered species monitoring, scientific study, and mitigation. The Smelt Team Supervisor will also lead the team in developing novel monitoring, minimization, and mitigation concepts for Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt and propose them to Water Branch management for implementation.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the position or the application process can be directed to the hiring unit contact, Michael Eakin at (916) 838-9671 or Michael.Eakin@wildlife.ca.gov.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking to fill an Environmental Scientist position for the San Francisco Bay Study.
For more information about the Bay Study, see the View From the Water | A Summer Day Sampling in Central Bay and the San Francisco Bay Study project page.

CalCareers Job Announcement:

Working Title: Environmental Scientist, Marine Biologist - San Francisco Bay
Job Code: JC-533306
Work Location: San Joaquin County (Region 3, Bay-Delta Stockton office)
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary Range: $4,418.00 - $9,321.00/month dependent on classification range
Final Filing Date: 10/12/2026

Job Description and Duties:

Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist, Supervisor, the Environmental Scientist is the first-line analytical and field biologist for the San Francisco Bay Study. In collaboration with another Environmental Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for the collection, management, interpretation, and reporting of data to meet the study’s goals and reporting requirements.

The Environmental Scientist will be a crew leader for sample collection from a 42’ research vessel 3 to 6 days per month. The balance of the time will be spent in the office editing data, managing data bases, analyzing and summarizing data, writing reports and papers, and attending and participating in meetings, workshops, and conferences. Collaboration with agency and university scientists for special study design, review, data analyses, and report or paper preparation is an important aspect of this position. Incumbent may act as a lead person for up to 4 permanent and temporary personnel in the field or office.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts several other IEP monitoring studies in the San Francisco Estuary, including work with Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, Striped Bass and the food web for these and other species of interest.

Link to Class Title Exam: Environmental Scientist/Exam Bulletin

More information on the job duties and how to apply can be found in the CalCareers job announcement.

Questions about the position can be directed to Kathryn Hieb (Hiring Unit Contact) at Kathy.Hieb@wildlife.ca.gov or (209) 640-4642.

Trout Unlimited is looking to hire their next California Staff Scientist. They are seeking a high-caliber scientific leader and strategic thought partner to help drive Trout Unlimited's work to protect, reconnect, restore, and sustain salmonids and their watersheds.

This is a full time position that will help shape their Science and State Program goals, lead rigorous science and monitoring efforts (both project-specific and at landscape scales), and advocate for science-based solutions along with our many partners across California. The position is remote but will require travel around northern California and to Sacramento in particular.

Application and more details about the job requirements can be found on the Trout Unlimited recruitment website.

Applications will be considered immediately and can be submitted from the posting date until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted before October 16th, 2026. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter online via our job application system.

Job Announcement Title: Mate, Fish and Game Vessel
Job Code: JC-532159
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: San Joaquin County (Bay Delta, Stockton office)
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Final Filing Date: October 3, 2026

This position is being re-advertised. If you previously applied, your application is being considered and you do not need to re-apply.

CDFW's Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) is seeking Mates, vessel operators, to pilot a fleet of diesel-powered and gasoline-powered research vessels up to 42 feet in length.

The main duty of the Mate is to safely navigate vessels and operate a variety of aquatic sampling gear with the help of a field crew within the San Francisco Bay & Delta. In addition to directing the safe operation of our vessels and crew, Mates ensure the longevity of the fleet with regular upkeep and maintenance. Mates are also trained and will occasionally assist as deck hands to aid vessel operations, assist with sampling gear, and on occasion will assist with fish handling and identification.

When not on the water, Mates partner up with senior fleet operations staff to maintain vessels, and assist scientific staff to help prep vessels, maintain and repair field gear (nets, hardware and other equipment). These create opportunities for skill development in vessel repair, hydraulic system repair, welding, net repair and fish identification. Mates will have an opportunity to accumulate skills and at-sea time for earning (dependent on funding) or maintaining a Coast Guard Captain's License.

The Mate, Fish and Game Vessel Exam can be found on the CalCareers Exam page.

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

Questions can be directed to the Hiring Unit Supervisor, April Hennessy at April.Hennessy@wildlife.ca.gov or (209) 875-3277.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Wastewater Enterprise Regulatory Compliance and Collection Systems Divisions are hiring four Regulatory Specialists. This position would be a great fit for someone with a background in scientific monitoring as it relates to water quality and wastewater issues.

Job Announcement: Regulatory Specialist - Wastewater Enterprise - SFPUC (5620)(166336)
Role Type: Permanent Civil Service
Salary Range: $131,000.00 - $159,562.00
Application Deadline: Open at least through October 5, 2026, and will close any time thereafter
Recruitment ID: PBT-5620-166336 (RTF0166335-01117987)
Contact: Brandon Bradley (bbradley@sfwater.org)

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Wastewater Enterprise (WWE) operates and maintains San Francisco's combined sewer system to protect public health and the environment. These services extend across eight urban watersheds, more than 1,000 miles of pipe, 24 miles of transport and storage facilities and benefit every resident and visitor of San Francisco. WWE operates three all-weather wastewater treatment plants, one wet-weather facility, 32 pump stations, eight transport/storage facilities, and 34 combined sewer discharge structures to treat an estimated 34.6 billion gallons of wastewater in a typical year. In addition to treating wastewater, WWE also produces biosolids, a nutrient-rich soil-like product used as a synthetic fertilizer-replacement and soil amendment across the Bay Area.

Role Description

The Regulatory Specialist assists in assuring that all San Francisco Public Utilities Commission operations, planning and development, property management, maintenance and maritime projects comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations and requirements.

Essential functions of the position include:

• maintaining a working knowledge of the laws and regulations promulgated by various federal, state and local environmental and regulatory agencies;
• inspecting property, facilities, operations and construction activities to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; providing compliance assistance and/or enforcing environmental regulatory requirements;
• working well with others in multi-tasking situations;
• coordinating efforts among PUC staff, with other City departments and with regulatory and resources agencies to acquire the necessary authorizations to operate and to undertake new projects and maintenance activities;
• advising management of pertinent regulations affecting planned or in-progress projects and activities;
• collecting, reviewing and/or analyzing quantitative environmental data;
• reviewing and coordinating work of technical consultants;
• reviewing and/or preparing risk assessment, environmental compliance, environmental monitoring, and/or CEQA/NEPA reports;
• coordinating with other utilities, regulatory and planning agencies and the public;
• developing and administering project budgets and establishing and maintaining records and regulatory files.

The nature of the job may require performing field investigations on foot in rough terrain and uneven surfaces; confined space entry; climbing and descending ladders and travel and work at distant facilities.

Read the job announcement for more information about the duties and responsibilities of the position and how to qualify and apply.

The Center for Watershed Sciences (CWS) at the University of California, Davis invites applications for 2-3 funded M.S. research positions in either Ecology or Engineering. These graduate student researchers will collaborate with CWS researchers and with biologists and engineers at the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to design and conduct a research project that addresses high-priority knowledge gaps pertinent to water operations, aquatic ecosystem management, and/or fish conservation in Central California.

Research topics for an ecology student may include fish movement and population ecology, trophic/foodweb ecology, and restoration ecology. Research topics for an engineering student may include hydrologic modeling, parameter uncertainty, forecasting, and system optimization.

This is a two-year position beginning Fall 2027. 

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the Center for Watershed Sciences Jobs page.

Deadline to apply for this opportunity: October 8, 2026

The USGS is interested in hiring Hydrologic Technicians to fulfil a variety of program activities and needs. The USGS posted an announcement for GS-8 positions earlier, unfortunately, there was an inaccuracy in the original posting. Hence, the USGS is reposting the GS-8 announcement - any interested candidates should apply to this new announcement even if they applied to the original announcement. Please be mindful to include any required information, such as documentation of locality.

Review the job announcement for the specific application period, job duties, and eligibility requirements.

This job announcement can be found on the USAJOBS website.

• GS-8 - FUL - Hydrologic Technician; 36 vacancies at multiple locations nationwide.
  • USAJOBS Announcement number USGS-26-13047843-FUL-SA Control number 883340100
  • Application period opens 09/02/2026 and closes 09/10/2026.

Calling all social media content creators - Cal-Neva AFS is looking for a Social Media Intern to create content for all their social media sites!

This is a paid position until March 31, 2027. Application deadline is open until filled.

Requirements:

• Provide 1 social media post per week (including Guess that Fish, Student/Professional profiles, etc.).
• No AI-generated content.
• Be silly and have fun with it!
• Preferred qualifications are Photoshop and/or other graphic design skills.

How to Apply:

• Send your best fish meme and one idea of what kind of weekly post you would like to see on Cal-Neva's social media to afs.calneva@gmail.com

Compensation:

• $200 sign-on bonus with an additional $200 per quarter