DFW DIVISION/BRANCH/REGION/OFFICE - Marine Region

EFFECTIVE DATE - TBD 

UNIT NAME AND LOCATION - Invertebrate Management Project, Santa Barbara    

CLASS TITLE - Fish & Wildlife Scientific Aid


POSITION’S ORGANIZATION SETTING AND MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Southern Invertebrate Management Program Senior Environmental Supervisor the incumbent will receive detailed instructions from project environmental scientists working on projects related to fishery management. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Review and enter recreational fishery data, review commercial logbooks and landings data for accuracy and contact fishermen and processors when clarification is needed. Assist staff with responding to public questions, developing education and outreach materials, creating and maintaining data files, data analyses, preparing tables and figures, and other related duties to support lobster management and abalone recovery. Conduct literature searches and literature summaries as needed. (40% time)

Assist with field research including preparing, organizing, and maintaining field equipment; participating in research; loading vessels; clean-up; as well as operate and maintain vehicles, vessels, and equipment used in operation of the program. (30% time)

Other duties include providing support for other Department projects or staff as needed, ordering supplies, maintaining project databases and research libraries; and responding to requests for data. (25% time)

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform miscellaneous administrative tasks, including supply inventory, supporting purchasing, and submitting paperwork. (5% time)

Special Personal Characteristics: Follow detailed directions, engage in tedious detailed work, use proper judgment, sometimes under arduous conditions in the field. Be able to organize work and reason logically; analyze situations accurately; collect and record accurate laboratory and/or field data; summarize scientific data; write clear brief reports; and work independently. Demonstrate open-mindedness, flexibility, and employ tact. Establish and maintain positive and professional cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Must be able to operate motor vehicles and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS) training is desirable. Knowledge in identifying fish, wildlife, invertebrates and/or marine plants and algae. Proficiency with the computer program R and R-Studio desirable. 

Interpersonal Skills: Work independently in a team setting. Be able to work with a wide variety of people from different agencies. Be able to work and effectively communicate both remotely and in an office setting. Ask questions when duties are not clear. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

  • Working locations include office, remote, and outdoor fieldwork settings. 
  • Working days can vary from week to week depending on fieldwork needs and deadlines. 
  • Computer-based work requires the use of a computer keyboard for several hours a day which is done either remotely or in an office.
  • In-person duties include transporting and maintaining equipment and traveling to various field sites throughout Southern California.
  • Occasional travel may be required, including overnight travel. Irregular work hours, including weekends, may be required with advanced notice.
  • Fieldwork days can be long (>10 hours) and involves boat-based work which can have variable conditions. 
  • Fieldwork and diving may occur on small boats ranging in size from 21 ft. to 45 ft. 
  • Duties include the occasional handling of live and dead fish and invertebrates.
  • Interaction with members of the public in a professional manner may be required.
  • Requires the ability to lift and move at least 50 lbs.

DEPARTMENT STATEMENT:

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (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.