The Department is seeking a skilled and motivated land management professional to lead the stewardship of ecological reserves and other State lands, with the primary duty station at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. This role supports the long-term conservation of California’s natural resources through field operations, staff leadership, habitat restoration, and coordination with agency partners and the public. In this position, the selected candidate will oversee daily maintenance of Department-managed lands, ensuring that facilities, trails, signage, fences, and infrastructure remain safe and functional for public and operational use. You’ll work alongside permanent and seasonal staff, contractors, and volunteer crews, helping ensure the lands are maintained in a collaborative effort. Duties include vegetation management, invasive species control, equipment oversight, and timely completion of routine and emergency maintenance tasks (e.g., equipment repair needs, perimeter fencing issues, addressing water leaks, etc.). You will prepare and implement adaptive management plans; conduct biological surveys; analyze habitat and species data; and assess management needs for restored, mitigation, and sensitive areas. The role includes reviewing environmental documents, obtaining necessary permits, and representing the Department on cooperative management teams and technical working groups. The position requires strong coordination with federal, State, and local agencies, neighboring landowners, land trusts and other non-governmental organizations, volunteer groups, and academic partners. You will administer contracts, monitor funded programs, prepare reports and budgets, maintain program documentation, and help coordinate hiring and training efforts of support staff. This role involves both fieldwork and office duties, often in variable weather and rugged terrain. Overnight travel will be required up to 10%. Work hours may be 10+ hours per day, including some night and weekend work, and may occur during varied weather conditions.
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.
Link to Class Title Exam: Environmental Scientist/Exam Bulletin
This position is posted in the following counties: Los Angeles/Ventura counties. Please apply to each county in which you are interested in working.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Office will be located at Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve in Los Angeles OR the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve in Fillmore. Work is conducted in office and outdoors environments, and includes highway and off-road driving, which incorporates trail and off-trail navigation. Driving up to 30% is an essential requirement for this position and requires a valid driver’s license, as the CDFW properties under its management require regular site visits. Many of these properties are in remote areas and span across three counties, making alternative transportation impractical. Overnight travel will be required up to 10%. Work hours may be 10+ hours per day, including some night and weekend work, and may occur during varied weather conditions. Uniform is required when interacting with the public and while conducting fieldwork.
