Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

JC-480520
-
Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 6/16/2025

Job Description and Duties

Help shape the circular economy and materials management policies of the future through sound research, innovative analyses and effective collaboration with stakeholders to enable CalRecycle’s Policy Office to function as CalRecycle’s policy analysis & development nexus, data gathering arm, and technical information clearinghouse.

The Policy Office needs scientists who are creative problem solvers and big picture thinkers. This position will include some or all of the following: asking good questions, identifying research opportunities, and developing ways to fill data needs; gathering data and conducting internet, phone and field research; analyzing complex qualitative and quantitative data; making findings and drawing conclusions based on sound science; explaining complex data, findings and ideas clearly, correctly and simply; moving between small details and the big picture to ensure research is relevant and useful for supporting policy decisions; developing options, making recommendations, and influencing decisions; communicating effectively and persuasively with a variety of audiences orally and in technical reports and research papers; taking the initiative and moving projects forward; and working on challenging environmental issues to help California move towards a circular economy.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense. Beginning July 1, 2025, employees are expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

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

Working Conditions

The reporting location for this position is located in Sacramento or Cerritos.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-480520
Position #(s):
835-131-0762-010
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle 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 protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

Special Requirements

When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 24-216 & Position # 835-131-0762-010 in the "Job Title(s)" section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
  • Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

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: 6/16/2025

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:

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Attn: Human Resources- RPA 24-216, JC-480520
1001 I Street, 19th Floor
Sacramento,, CA 95812-4025

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Human Resources- RPA 24-216, JC-480520
1001 I Street, 19th Floor
Sacramento,, CA 95812-4025
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.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Statement of Qualifications - Applicantion packages submitted without a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will be rejected. Please see SOQ details below.
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:
Applicants will be initially screened based on the following:

1)  Ability to conduct research and provide concise summaries of information gathered
2)  Ability to use problem solving and flexibility to successfully resolve issues
3)  Ability to clearly communicate information to stakeholders with a wide range of technical expertise
4)  Quality of experience and approaches for presenting information, writing technical or informational reports, giving oral presentations, and communicating with stakeholders

Benefits

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at http://calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx


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: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources: RPA 24-216, JC-475032
(916) 341-6646
careers@calrecycle.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Michelle Caballero
(916) 322-4025
michelle.caballero@calrecycle.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:
EEO Officer
(916) 341-6660
EEO@calrecycle.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 Qualifications

Applicants will submit a diploma or transcripts showing successful completion of a degree, or your application will be rejected. Applicants will provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), or your application will be rejected. Your Statement of Qualifications must be typewritten or generated by word processing on no more than two pages (single-sided) of 8 1/2" x 11" paper, using 12 point font. You must identify each page with your full name, answer each item separately and label each answer. Responses are to be complete, specific, clear, and concise. Submittals not meeting these requirements will be rejected.

1. Briefly describe this Department and this position in particular.
2. Describe a difficult situation that you turned around.
3. What are you most proud of in your academic or professional career?
4. Describe the approaches you use when writing reports, giving presentations, and communicating with stakeholders - using examples from your experience.

Applicants should submit a resumé, but it is not a substitute for a diploma/transcript or the SOQ. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be interviewed.

Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

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