Fish And Wildlife Scientific Aid

Overview

Hiring Unit Contact: Marc Heisdorf

Job Posting:
Marine Fisheries Sampler

Department: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Job Title: Marine Fisheries Sampler

Classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

Salary: $18.26 - $21.67 per Hour

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 2/9/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your Cal Career Account);
By Mail;
Drop-off;
Print Job

Do you love to work outdoors and have a passion for marine biology? Are you a student or graduate with a passion to learn more about marine science and standard data collection procedures? Have you been looking for the right entry opportunity to start your career with CDFW? If you answered yes to any of those, we have a job for you!

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Marine Region has statewide opportunities for Marine Fisheries Samplers to gather data for the California Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS). Using standardized survey protocols, this position will independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps, docks, piers, jetties, beach/banks sites and commercial passenger fishing vessels (CPFV). Specifically, this position will identify finfish and invertebrates to species and collect lengths, weights and other biological data as needed;

then review, edit, and submit data to lead staff for review and data entry. Standard survey protocols and fish identification training will be provided.

The Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid classification is a non-testing classification.

• Independently collect recreational fishery data and biological samples at various field sites.
• Identify finfish and invertebrates to species and record lengths, weights and other data.
• Review, edit, and submit data to lead staff for review and data entry.
• Follow standard survey protocols and participate in training as provided.

Minimum Requirements: You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID

• Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record. Photocopy may be requested.
• Two years of college (60 semester units) with 10 semester units in biological or chemical sciences.
• Working irregular hours including weekends and holidays is required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable transportation; ability to lift up to 40 pounds; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes.
• Ability to travel within California as required; travel may include short notice deployments with overnight stays.

• Ability to identify marine fish species.
• Good organizational skills and ability to keep accurate records and meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact positively with the public.
• Ability to sample onboard vessels at sea.

Work environment is variable and can include commuting in a state or personal vehicle, collecting scientific data in all weather conditions, handling and lifting equipment, sampling at sea on fishing vessels, and performing clerical and scientific work using electronics and computer equipment in an office setting or field environment. Working on weekends is required. Travel of 10% within California may be required;

short notice deployments with overnight stays are possible.

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

• Job Code #: JC-506272
• Position #(s): -905
• Working Title: Marine Fisheries Sampler
• Classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC AID
• Salary: $18.26 - $21.67
• # of Positions: 1
• Work Location: Monterey County
• Telework: In Office
• Job Type: Non-Tenured, Intermittent

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact: Marc Heisdorf

Phone:

Email:

Equal Employment Opportunity statement and reasonable accommodations information are provided on the posting. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO Office.

EEO Contact: Civil Rights Office, ,

California Relay Service: (TTY), (Voice)

You must reference Position Number
-905 and RPA Number E-R7 MR 25-012 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for which you are applying. Applications should be submitted electronically through Cal Careers. If mailing, consider certified mail.

Final Filing Date: 2/9/2026

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC. Resume reviews will consider complete employment history with dates and hours per week.

Equal Opportunity Employer. The State of California is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace policy is observed.