Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is seeking a Scientific Aid to serve a role as a Reserve Naturalist and help us continue our work to connect students and the public with the wonders of wetlands, woodlands, and the world around them. This position engages with the public and kids of all ages to help them learn about the local natural communities and history of the Reserve. If you’re a people-person who loves engaging diverse communities in conservation actions, we’d be honored if you considered applying!

The Reserve Naturalist handles daily interaction with visitors and delivers the K-12 education programs.

Duties include:

Daily opening and closing of the Visitor Center, greeting guests and orienting them to the Reserve trails while sharing natural history of the Reserve and the work of CDFW.

Interpretive/Field: Assist in the development and implementation of interpretive program material for estuarine, freshwater, oak woodland, and grassland habitats. Deliver interpretive presentations and walking tours for the public.
Orient the public to the Reserve trails and make suggestions for their visit. Help with on-site public events. Assist Reserve staff with field work on as needed basis.

K-College Education: Deliver Reserve education programs to visiting school groups.

Outreach: Participate in off-site events

Behind the scenes: Maintain Visitor Center exhibits. Communicate with teachers. Assist with trail maintenance.

Maintain the entrance and public areas to create a welcoming environment for visitors.

Office work: Copy and distribute materials, packets, mailings. Data entry. Monitor and maintain program supplies and equipment. Perform other duties supporting Reserve goals as needed.

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:

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

• Applicants who receive public assistance under the CalWORKs program shall be given hiring priority consideration as provided in Government Code, Section 19063.

• Applicants who receive public assistance need to identify themselves as CalWORKs recipients in the comments section of the STD 678, Examination/Employment Application.

• Applicants must submit verification of CalWORKs eligibility, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility or a copy of the most recent aid check stub.

• Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program. If CalWORKs verification is not submitted with the application, it will not be processed as CalWORKs eligible.

• Participation by a public assistance recipient is voluntary and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in a seasonal or entry level non-testing classification opening.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This is a part time (2-3 days/week) position located in the Reserve Visitor Center. Time is split between front desk and delivering outdoor education programs, field work and maintenance work around the facilities. Requires the ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and walk over uneven outdoor terrain. Must be willing to wear a uniform when interacting with the public.

Special Requirements

• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. without assistance

• Ability to lead school groups on 2-4-mile hikes

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration. 

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

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:

• Course work in a science related field with strong communication courses or an environmental education or interpretation science classes

• Knowledge of local ecology, biology and environmental topics

• One year or more experience engaging children (K-6 grade) in outdoor environmental education

• Ability to work well independently and as a team member

• Comfortable with sharing workstations and resources with other staff, volunteers, and interns

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain positive behaviors and attitudes

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Strong skills with Microsoft Office programs and willingness to learn additional computer skills as needed

• One year or more experience with science courses and/or science curriculum

• Experience working with schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz or San Benito counties is a plus

• Familiarity and/or direct skills with graphic design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Ph

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-461-0835-905 and RPA Number E-R4 WB 26-002 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at  .  If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.

Job Tags

Temporary work, Part time, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, 2 days per week, 3 days per week

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