Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) - Smelt Team Supervisor
Please apply for this job at the CalCareers link provided in the description below. Applications not submitted via CalCareers will not be considered.
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Job Description and Duties
Delta Smelt and Longfin smelt are unique fishes of the San Francisco Estuary and have recently declined to their lowest population levels since monitoring began over 60 years ago. These species sit at the center of California's water management challenges, where the goal is to balance human water needs with the ecological needs of native fish. To better manage and protect these species, a highly skilled team of multi-disciplinary scientists collaborates across agencies to improve our understanding of Delta Smelt and Longfin Smelt life history, identify key stressors, and develop creative strategies to minimize and mitigate impacts associated with freshwater exports.
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.
The mission of the State Water Project Permitting Unit is to develop and implement novel, science-based solutions to conflicts between water supply and ecosystem management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and tributaries. We will consistently provide clear, creative, and feasible solutions to conserve and adaptively manage imperiled species and ecosystems impacted by joint operations of the State and federal water projects. We will do this by developing our own scientific expertise and encouraging outside-the-box thinking in a collaborative, open, respectful, and candid setting.
Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.
Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:
Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR.
This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is office based and requires the ability to use a computer keyboard several hours a day. Involves sitting for most of the time and walking or standing for brief periods. Attend meetings and workgroups in person and via conference call and Microsoft Teams, work with state and federal agency staff and various stakeholders. Field work may be required; the position may require the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as Department staff. Attend meetings and work with staff statewide to complete work assignments. Scheduling or attending meetings and coordination efforts will prioritize in-person over virtual options. Occasional travel may be required; less than 5%.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.