Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-466125
-
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,556.00 - $10,221.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 2/25/2025

Job Description and Duties

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Make a difference and help keep California’s water clean! The Planning and Watershed Stewardship Division of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to help us fulfill our vision - Healthy Watersheds, Effective Regulation, and Strong Partnerships. Job perks include training and career development through our Training Academy, teleworking up to three (3) days per week, free parking, state holidays, vision and dental benefits, retirement benefits through CalPERS, and wonderful co-workers. This position will be located at our Santa Rosa office at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 in the heart of beautiful Sonoma County, which is known for its great restaurants and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.

Duties: The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will act as Regional Monitoring Coordinator and will lead development of tools to evaluate water-quality at a regional and watershed scale, provide technical expertise and mentorship in surface water monitoring program development and implementation, and lead regional efforts to evaluate and report on water quality in relation to many complex issues including the effects of climate change, fire, and drought on water quality.

This position requires knowledge of water quality objectives and beneficial uses, monitoring plan design and development, quality assurance plan development, statistical analysis and analysis programs, and analysis and reporting of complex water quality related data sets including the use of geospatial analysis (GIS). The Specialist must have advanced expertise in chemical, biological, and physical water quality parameters; biologic community assessment; and aquatic toxicology. Further the position requires public speaking, partnership building, and internal and external monitoring oversight and coordination.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please do not include full social security number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Salary information – CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-466125
Position #(s):
880-110-0765-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,556.00 - $10,221.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sonoma County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 24-110-060 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.

  • Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1301.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

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.

Final Filing Date: 2/25/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Water Resources Control Board
Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Professional references are required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

  • Level of education, such as multiple and/or advanced degrees or advanced coursework (e.g. additional bachelor’s degree, or masters/PhD in environmental statistics, chemistry, aquatic biology, hydrology, environmental science).
  • Experience developing monitoring guidance, monitoring questions, and designing and implementing large-scale watershed monitoring strategies and plans.
  • Experience leading efforts to assess the impacts of pollution and writing technical reports to analyze  water quality data results.
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles of water chemistry, biostimulatorybio stimulatory conditions, watershed management, hydrology, stream morphology, and watershed analysis of multiple land uses and impacts on water quality, fisheries, and other beneficial uses.
  • Experience in developing and implementing water quality data collection protocols and analysis methods to determine compliance with Basin Plan Standards, including physical, chemical, and biological parameters, sediment data, and toxicology data.
  • Experience mentoring and training others on water quality related matters including monitoring plan design and development, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and data quality assurance.
  • Experience with contract oversight or management.
  • Experience building partnerships and coordinating the efforts of multiple partners and stakeholders including state, federal, local, and tribal agencies, research organizations, community members, and regulated entities.
  • Familiarity/experience with the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Clean Water Act, and water quality issues in California.
  • Strong organizational and decision-making skills, ability to independently lead projects, and the ability to set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated experience in outreach, training, and giving presentations to large audiences.
  • Experience using statistical analysis and analysis programs (e.g. R studio, python), and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications to evaluate water quality data and answer research questions.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Danielle Klemencic
(916) 319-8293
danielle.klemencic@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Katharine Carter
(707) 576-2290
katharine.carter@waterboards.ca.gov

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:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualificiations

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial size 11 font, and normal margins.

  1. Describe your experience and success in the following (please include your years of experience for each):
    1. Leading, designing, and implementing complex monitoring programs and plans.
    2. Training and mentoring others on water quality related matters including monitoring question development, monitoring plan development and design, data analysis, and data reporting.
    3. Analyzing data (including using non-parametric statistical analysis) and writing technical reports.  
    4. Developing and implementing water quality related sampling protocols.

 

  1. Describe your understanding of and experience working with water quality laws, regulation, policies, and programs.

 

  1. Describe your experience and success in the following (please include your years of experience for each):
    1. Building partnerships and coordinating with agencies, non-governmental organizations, and tribes.
    2. Developing workplans and tracking progress on tasks to facilitate the timely completion of projects.
    3. Communicating with large groups, including the public and all levels of staff, management, and decision-making bodies regarding water quality data.

 

  1. Please provide a discussion of additional desirable qualifications that you possess as they relate to this position.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job