Job Description and Duties
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is recruiting for a Research Data Specialist I (GIS) position within the Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) unit. OSPR is a 24/7 emergency response organization addressing oil spills to waters in California. The GIS team plays a critical role supporting Field Response Teams as well as the Spill Preparedness and Prevention Branches. This Research Data Specialist I position serves as OSPR’s statewide Remote Sensing Program Coordinator, developing best practices for spill response and non-spill response applications through research, development, testing, and implementation of remote sensing tools and platforms, including on-water systems, submersible systems, trail cameras, and satellite imagery. The position also will develop workflows for data transfer, processing, analysis, and presentation from remote sensing sources to support operational needs. The incumbent will perform conventional spatial analyst GIS work involving geospatial data management, figure and map production, database support, dashboards, and other presentation of spatial data. The incumbent will also support the development, enhancement, and maintenance of complex GIS-based mapping and geospatial database systems used to store, analyze, and display spatial data.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Research Data Specialist I
This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. 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.
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.
Working Conditions
Involves work at a desk using a computer keyboard several hours a day and sitting most of the time. Occasional field work may require walking, standing, climbing or hiking under a variety of climatic conditions. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Additional Conditions: OSPR is a 24/7 spill response organization. The incumbent in this position can be required to participate in prevention and response training and drills throughout California. The incumbent may be required to respond on short notice to support oil spill response in California (typical maximum of 7–10-day rotations).