Ocean Career: CDFW Marine GIS Specialist

The mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. Join us in this mission by focusing your talents on supporting sustainable fisheries management and healthy marine ecosystems. The Marine Region Data Management Project is seeking a Marine GIS Specialist to lead our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, manage a collection of authoritative spatial data, and guide development of internal and external mapping applications. Under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist for the Data Management Project, the incumbent will maintain and enhance complex data systems, data models, and perform research and statistical investigations to identify and resolve marine fisheries relationships and trends. They will use various data sources but will principally be responsible for independently leading all aspects of CDFW’s management and use of marine and coastal resource spatial data within its geographic information systems (GIS).

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:

Familiarity with marine focused authoritative digital spatial data published by federal, state, local, private entities and other sources; familiarity with California’s marine resources and best management practices. Advanced knowledge of ESRI software and online tools. Experience with coding languages including Python, R and structured query language (SQL). Experience with business intelligence software. Ability to work independently on complex assignments, adapt to changes in priorities, and work assignments. Effectively manage and prioritize multiple work assignments with deadlines to ensure timely completion of projects.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Data analysis methods and techniques including gathering and collection of structured and unstructured data, as well as general principles, concepts and terminology used in research; planning studies and investigations; trend analysis procedures; time management techniques to provide for efficient prioritization and completion of projects and assignments; software to prepare spreadsheet summaries, reports, charts, and tables; basic arithmetic and statistical techniques to analyze numerical data; and departmental policies and procedures.

Principles and concepts applied in research and statistical settings; principles and concepts appropriate to data and research techniques and methodologies; operations research methods; current data analytics processes, including the utilization of business intelligence software programs; broad principles of algorithms, data structures, and data management; application of computerized models to research data, statistical and other methods used in the analysis; survey methods and analytical techniques; organizational analysis including data presentation and interpretation; principles and procedures of forecasting, and of research planning, design, methodology; problem solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments.

ABILITY TO: Identify, query, analyze, and manipulate complex data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups related to the area of research; present ideas and information effectively; design processes to analyze and validate the accuracy of data; identify improvement needs and develop new solutions; identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project; lead complex research and identify data problems and solutions; work with diverse parties on a wide variety of subject-matter areas; and communicate information appropriately and effectively to others at all levels of staff and management.

The following locations will be considered for this position are: Monterey, Santa Rosa, San Carlos, Santa Barbara, Seal Beach and San Diego.

Salary range: $6,955.00 – $8,970.00 per Month

Application deadline: March 27, 2026

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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