California Coastal Commission · California · full-time (limited-term, 2 years · posted 29 days ago
Please share the following with interested parties: CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION CCC is Seeking a Fire & Landscape Ecologist Applications Now Being Accepted - Filing Deadline: 9/24/2026 CCC is seeking a Fire & Landscape Ecologist to join its Ecology Team (Technical Services Unit) at the downtown San Francisco office. This is a limited-term position with funding for two years. The Ecology Team generally supports the Commission and its staff with technical review and analysis of proposed development regarding potential adverse impacts on coastal resources and conformance with Coastal Act natural resource policies, including those certified in Local Coastal Plans, Public Works Plans, and similar. Our work spans across the coastal zone, which extends along the length of California from offshore waters to variable distances inland of the shoreline, up to more than five miles in some areas. We work within a wide range of ecosystems including forests, shrublands, grasslands, and wetlands as well as marine. This position will primarily focus on the relationship between wildfire and coastal ecology as relates to vegetation management for fuel reduction, ecological restoration, and resilience in the coastal zone. Responsibilities will include regulatory and planning work, scientific and technical analysis, policy analysis and development, desktop and field research, and writing technical memoranda and presenting at public meetings to the Commission among other things. The role involves working with staff across the agency as well as with partners, project proponents, and interested stakeholders, and offers considerable opportunity to develop and contribute expertise while protecting California's coastal landscape. Successful applicants will demonstrate experience and/or expertise in some combination of the following: fire ecology; landscape ecology; coastal botany; vegetation management practices and policies; geospatial fluency and analyses; coastal habitats including forests, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, wetland, and riparian areas; traditional ecological knowledge including the use of cultural fire; and, climate resilience and adaptation efforts including nature-based adaptation and habitat restoration practices. Knowledge of land use planning and regulatory processes, demonstrated skill in research and interpretation of complex environmental data, and familiarity with environmental laws such as the Coastal Act, CEQA and/or NEPA are desirable. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and an ability to work as a team member are critical. A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field are preferred. Eligibility: This position is open to two classifications, Environmental Scientist and Senior Environmental Scientists (Specialist); however, only one position will be filled, consistent with the selected applicant's qualifications. For more information concerning these classifications, see CalHR's Environmental Scientist Series description. The duty statement articulates the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) version with greater responsibility; however, a revised version would be provided for hiring at the Environmental Scientist level. Applicants must complete the applicable exam for Environmental Scientist or Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) and be reachable on the state list to be considered eligible for hire. Work Location: This position will be based in the downtown San Francisco office (Headquarters) and follows the current policy of reporting in-office 4 days per week. Compensation: Salary in the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) classification, ranges from $7,820-$10,732/month. The Environmental Scientist classification currently varies from $4,418-$9,321/month and follows the applicable Range steps (A-C) hired into. To Apply: Applications will be accepted until the closing deadline on 9/24/2026. For more details and to apply, CalCareers job posting. Lauren Garske-Garcia, PhD Pronouns: she/her/hers Ecology Team Manager | Technical Services Unit CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION 455 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California 94105 Lauren.Garske-Garcia@coastal.ca.gov [cid:image001.png@01DD3A16.75B2DA50]
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