Environmental Scientist

Job Description

Job Description and Duties
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. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Special Requirements
Candidates must possess: a valid California driver’s license Candidates must be able to: Obtain a California boater card Be available to conduct fieldwork outside of normal business hours including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Work aboard boats and other sampling equipment for extended periods without incapacitation due to seasickness. Swim at least 50 yards and stay afloat for at least 10 minutes with assistance of a personal floatation device. Carry and transport loads of up to 40 lbs, with assistance. Evaluate and consider safety requirements for field work.

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: A well-qualified candidate will have experience: Coordinating and conducting scientific fieldwork in remote or rugged terrain, aboard boats and other field equipment (e.g., rotary screw traps), including operation of motorized boats and implementation of field surveys or long-term monitoring protocols. Maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting rotary screw traps and fyke traps used in fisheries monitoring. In aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, food web ecology, or water quality monitoring, including work with ESA- or CESA-listed species. With taxonomic identification of fish and aquatic invertebrates and associated field sampling techniques. Using water quality instrumentation (e.g., multiparameter sondes or equivalent field sensors). Processing water quality and biological samples in a laboratory setting. Conducting molecular laboratory analyses, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and related DNA-based techniques. Maintaining laboratory organization, including sample tracking, inventories, and documentation systems. Coordinating with contract laboratories, to send and receive results, including Chain of Custody preparation and sample submission procedures. Designing and implementing QA/QC procedures for ecological data. Managing ecological data using relational database systems (e.g., MS Access). Aggregating ecological data and identifying errors or anomalies during data review. Analyzing ecological data using statistical and geospatial methods (e.g., R, GIS, and related analytical tools). Preparing technical materials, including reports, presentations, and briefings for scientific or interagency audiences. Working independently and collaboratively in field and office environments. Familiarity with ecological and regulatory issues in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. Demonstrating communication, leadership, and field safety awareness. Using Microsoft Office Suite and scientific software tools (e.g., R, GIS, and relational database systems) for data management and analysis.