FORESTRY AIDE (part time) - Santa Cruz
- California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Jun 25, 2026
Job Description
NOTE: The State of California has a specific hiring process that requires a CalCareers profile. Hitting “APPLY” on this announcement will connect you with a Work for Warriors Veterans Staffing Consultant who will assist you through the process. This includes:
· Assistance setting up a CalCareers profile (if you do not already have one)
· Answering questions about the process of obtaining list eligibility
· Helping tailor your job application, or Examination/Employment Application (STD 678)
· Assisting with any required Statements of Qualifications (SOQ)
· Assistance with applying through the CalCareers site
Job Description and Duties
FORESTRY AIDE – OCOTILLO WELLS DISTRICT / OCOTILLO WELLS SOUTH SECTOR / OCOTILLO WELLS STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The reporting location for this position is the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in Borrego Springs, CA. This position will work under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory).
The Forestry Aide will perform various resources management and protection activities throughout the Ocotillo Wells District. Typical duties will consist of environmental monitoring (i.e., vegetation, wildlife, trail condition, and/or habitat), data entry and management, maintenance of resource-related project areas, written and oral reporting of activities, project monitoring, and other related resources work. The incumbent will gather, input, and analyze data using Esri Field Maps, ArcGis Online, ArcPro, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access. The Forestry Aide must be able to safely operate 4WD vehicles and tools associated with the above tasks following training. Applicant must be able to work safely in high heat, desert environments, and remote locations.
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
State housing may be required. Special Requirement/Condition of Employment: Depending on the assigned location, the incumbent may be required to occupy state-owned housing to meet operational needs or may be offered state-owned housing if available. Housing assignments will be determined in accordance with Department policy, operational priorities, and applicable labor agreements. For further information regarding this position, please contact Christine Fowlkes at 760-767-1215 or at [email protected]
Per California Code of Regulations (CCR) 599.961, this is a sensitive position, and therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing. It should be noted that testing is not mandatory, but is allowed to be conducted only if and when there is a determination of reasonable suspicion as defined in CCR 599.962.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Work may occur in the field or office. Field work may occur outdoors in various types of weather or in unpleasant conditions (e.g., extreme desert heat, rough or uneven terrain, etc.). Work environmental has exposures to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, nearby heavy equipment or traffic, and/or loud noises. May involve some exposure to aggressive visitors. Typical activities involve frequent periods of bending, stooping, and lifting. Occasional travel throughout district or state may be required, with overnight stay at hotels and/or spike camps potentially required. Schedule may be modified, with notice, depending on district projects and needs. May work around, handle, and apply herbicide.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position, official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
[email protected]
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-257-1060-901 and the Job Control # JC-496101 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
LINK TO JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=496101
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Create a CalCareers account. Create one here, CalCareers - https://calcareers.ca.gov/
For information on the three steps to a career with the State of California, check out the “3 Steps To A State Job,” https://calcareers.ca.gov/calhrpublic/landing/jobs/steps.aspx
How to write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ): https://youtu.be/NA-mGmyx1TY?si=M_ObGrzSC69W2LfB
Additional “How-To” videos by the California Department of Human Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@CADeptOfHumanResources
Martin RIvera
Qualifications
State
Immediate Fill
California State Parks offers an exceptional career opportunity for men and women transitioning out of the military, with excellent salaries and benefits. California State Parks has several assignments, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to make a difference in the State we serve.