Smelt Team Supervisor - California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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.