Department of Fish and Game

Fish and Game Careers

Join the dedicated employees who love their jobs. Our employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife, and the habitats upon which they depend. Download a list of all DFG classifications (PDF).

Read below for more information on DFG's most popular career fields:

Career Information:

Administrative

DFG employs various specialists in administrative fields-clerical, accounting, budgets, public and media relations, personnel, information technology, and more. While many of the vacancies are located in the Sacramento area, there are often vacancies at regional offices throughout the State.

Qualifications vary due to the wide variety of administrative specialties. Some of the most common classifications used by DFG are Office Assistant, Office Technician, Staff Services Analyst, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, Personnel Specialist and Analyst, Budget Analyst, and the Accountant Series.

Check the State Personnel Board website for the official classification specifications for their minimum requirements at www.spb.ca.gov/jobs/resources/jobspecs.htm -- Just type in a key word to search for the appropriate classification.

BIOLOGIST

There are several different professional classes of biologists, including wildlife, botany, general and marine/fisheries.

Wildlife and Botany Biologists do a variety of basic biological work in connection with wildlife management field activities, wildlife research, or environmental protection studies.  For example, they might be out in the wilderness, observing and recording the biological and environmental factors which affect wildlife.  Wildlife biologists also band and tag game birds or other wildlife.  They make surveys to determine how much forage is available for the animals to eat.  Biologists collect specimens for laboratory study or make a laboratory analysis of the specimens.  Both wildlife and botany biologists prepare plans for developing and managing wildlife and plant habitat and help explain to the public why and how we manage wildlife and plants.

Marine/Fisheries Biologists do a wide variety of basic biological work in connection with marine or fishery research, management, and water quality studies.  For example, biologists collect data in the field, including samples,  of marine, fresh water or anadromous fish, and other aquatic organisms.  They determine fish population levels by surveying streams, rivers, and lakes.  Biologists capture and tag various fish species for examination of laboratory analysis.  They study land and water projects such as highways, dams, diversions, and stream and lake alterations to determine the effects on fish and wildlife populations.  They also compile and evaluate research data and prepare technical reports.

Qualifications:  Equivalent to graduation from college with a specialization in zoology, wildlife management, botany, marine biology, fishery management, or a related field.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

The Environmental Scientist gathers information on environmental issues, performs environmental analysis, research , surveys, investigations, and prepares reports.

Qualifications:  Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in natural science, physical science, environmental science, or a related field.

FISH AND WILDLIFE INTERPRETER

The Fish and Wildlife Interpreters do a wide variety of work concerned with planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and administering interpretive programs for the Department of Fish and Game's wildlife areas and ecological reserves.

Interpreters convey knowledge of complex natural resource systems to the public; oversee publicity activities; serve as the primary contact for a wide variety of community outreach groups, civic, and conservations groups; develop maps and brochures; and conduct tours and demonstrations.

Qualifications: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in wildlife management, zoology, fisheries management, botany or other related biological science, including at least 15 semester units, or its equivalent, of course work in natural resource interpretation, natural resource communications, or similar subjects.

FISH AND WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN

Fish and Wildlife Technicians perform work at fixed or temporary installations, such as fish hatcheries, and out in the natural environment.  Fish and Wildlife Technicians are involved with hatching, raising, and planting fish; releasing game birds; and cleaning ponds or animal pens.  They also remove barriers from streams or install and maintain fish screens, ladders, and traps.  Fish and Wildlife Technicians plant, irrigate, and cultivate plants which serve as cover ore food for wildlife.  They assist other departmental personnel by collecting field data on fish or wildlife by censuses and other means; trapping, tagging, or marking fish and wildlife.

Qualifications:  Six months of experience in the natural resources field such as parks, forestry or fish and wildlife; or one year of college with a least six units in the biological sciences; or one year of experience in the mechanical or construction trades.

Seasonal Employees

Seasonal Employees supplement permanent staff and help with a great variety of departmental activities.  Most seasonal employees are Fish and Wildlife Seasonal Aides who do routine tasks and manual labor.  Typical jobs include collecting field data on fish, wildlife or plants, collecting wildlife samples and specimens, cleaning out fish and animal enclosures, installing fish screens or ladders, maintaining building equipment, and performing numerous other tasks.  Other seasonal employees are Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aides, office clerks, and student assistants.

Qualifications:  applicants must be able to read and write, maintain simple records, and demonstrate an interest in fish and wildlife conservation.  Fish and Wildlife Seasonal Aids must be willing to do some manual labor, such as repair and maintenance work, and must be able to work anywhere in the State.  Some work-time on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays may be requested.

To apply for a seasonal position, download an official State application form (STD 678).

Your completed and signed application should be sent to the regional office responsible for the counties or region in which you wish to work.  You should indicate in item 5 of the application form the date you will be available for work.

See DFG's Seasonal and Temporary Jobs page for advertised openings.