Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: BQ75
Class Code: 0835
Established: 04/07/1987
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under supervision, on a temporary or seasonal basis, to assist professional staff in a variety of technical and routine scientific tasks related to Department of Fish and Game activities.
Typical Tasks
Assists in the collection and analysis of field samples and data on fish, wildlife, soil, water, stream and lake bottoms, invertebrates, insects, fish food organisms, and plants; performs routine tasks in department biological laboratories including assisting in obtaining and caring for experimental animals, preparing and maintaining preserved specimens of fish, wildlife, invertebrates, and animals, setting up bioassays, recording data, preparing specimens for chemical or pathological examination; cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling laboratory apparatus, and making routine chemical analyses; assists in preparation of recommendation and reports; maintains field notes and other fish and wildlife-related data; makes analyses of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems to determine abundance and condition of attendant resources; surveys or studies fish, wildlife, invertebrate or plant populations, and evaluates their habitats; uses, maintains and repairs specialized equipment such as radio telemetry units, nets and traps, elector- fishing equipment or temperature recorders; surveys resource users; traps, tags, or marks fish or wildlife; enters field data into computer systems; keeps records; may perform SCUBA diving; and may, in the absence of permanent personnel on the work site, serve as an interim lead person for those in the class of Fish and Wildlife Seasonal Aid who are assisting in assigned technical and routine tasks; prepares correspondence; conducts literature surveys.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid driver license. and
Either I
Education: Equivalent to completion of two years of college with a minimum of 10 semester hours in biological or chemistry sciences.
Or II
One year of experience in surveying, studying or evaluating fish or wildlife populations, data habitats or users, or working in a chemistry laboratory.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Familiarity with the fundamentals of fish and wildlife management and ecology and general concepts principles involved in the departmental assignment.
Ability to: Read, write and speak English at a level required for successful job performance; organize work and reason logically; analyze situations accurately; collect data in the laboratory and/or field; make and record accurate laboratory and field observations; summarize and analyze laboratory and field data; and write clear, brief reports; rapidly learn to identify fish, wildlife, invertebrates and/or plants; work independently with a minimum of supervision; understand fish and wildlife regulations and explain their purpose to the public; maintain and repair specialized equipment in the field or shop; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; follow directions; use computer equipment effectively; gain experience in the methods and ethics of professional conduct and practices; certification for SCUBA diving may be required.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays and to travel in performing field work throughout the State; willingness to do routine work in order to learn; interest in and aptitude in the work; willingness to wear a uniform.
Special Physical Characteristics
Physical strength and agility; ability to swim 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes; ability to function in rough seas without incapacitation due to seasickness; and ability to lift 40 pounds.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Good driving record; additional course work or experience in biological or chemical sciences; interest in and knowledge of fishing, hunting or studying fish, wildlife, invertebrates or plants; experience in camping, boating, and maintaining or repairing equipment; interest in a career in biology or fish wildlife.
