Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-512681
-
Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 4/20/2026

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Are you looking for a fulfilling career in water quality protection? The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (San Diego Water Board) has an opening for an Environmental Scientist in the Source Control Regulation Unit. The position location is 2375 Northside Drive, San Diego, CA 92108.

Under the direction of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer and consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State Water Resources Control Board Strategic Plan and the San Diego Water Board’s Practical Vision, the incumbent will perform professional scientific work pertaining primarily to 1) the regulation of wastewater and stormwater discharges, and 2) assessments of their impacts to receiving waters. The incumbent is expected to apply scientific methods and principles in performing these duties. Specific job duties and responsibilities are described in the Duty Statement.

The incumbent will review and evaluate water quality data and other monitoring results to determine the chemical and biological integrity of receiving waters; develop and coordinate monitoring and reporting programs for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits; ensure consistency with relevant water quality plans and policies, and applicable laws and regulations; recommend priorities, goals, and work realignment based on water quality conditions, trends, and the key beneficial uses and key areas designated most important for protection and restoration; work collaboratively with other staff and the regulated community; prepare written documents for consideration by the San Diego Water Board; represent the San Diego Water Board before other boards, agencies, and groups; and provide presentations before the San Diego Water Board and others concerning San Diego Water Board activities.

The incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal staff and external stakeholders, follow through on commitments, and solicit and consider internal/external input when completing work assignments.

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.

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.

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.  Proof of residency may be required.

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. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-512681
Position #(s):
880-190-0762-003
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Diego 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 value 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

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 25-190-034 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Environmental Scientist 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=4286

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential’s 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 on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, 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: 4/20/2026

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: Human Resources-Tiffani Pace
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
Attn:Human Resources-Tiffani Pace
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 - Cover Letter is 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:

  • Knowledge of or experience with scientific principles; federal and State of California laws, plans, policies, and regulations; NPDES permit implementation; and enforcement actions related to the discharge of wastewater and stormwater to surface waters.
  • Experience assessing monitoring results to determine water quality-related conditions and trends. For example: chemical parameters in water and sediment, acute and chronic toxicity, benthic community characteristics, fish and invertebrate bioaccumulation, kelp forest conditions, emerging contaminants of concern, and plume tracking.
  • Experience organizing and synthesizing large, complex datasets from disparate sources to draw meaningful conclusions and develop scientifically sound recommendations.
  • Experience developing or implementing water quality monitoring programs for the protection of human health and/or aquatic ecosystems.
  • Experience effectively planning and prioritizing work; working independently or on teams; following instructions through standard work processes; following through on commitments; checking work products for accuracy; managing time effectively; and meeting deadlines to achieve organizational goals.
  • Experience maintaining accurate, detailed records in database programs and conducting effective queries.  
  • Strong attention to detail balanced with effective time management and steady advancement of overall goals.
  • Experience integrating racial equity or environmental justice into plans, policies, programs, or projects.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience with the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
  • Experience verbally communicating with the public.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and database systems.

    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. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS

    Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

    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 12-point font, and normal margins.

    The SOQ must clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, and skills, as related to each of the Desirable Qualifications, have prepared you to excel in the duties described in the Duty Statement. The SOQ must include specific examples of the knowledge, experience, and/or skills that the candidate possesses,if any, for each of the Desirable Qualifications described above.

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

    For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

    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