Job Posting: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-514098
-
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: 5/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

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

The Emergency Management Program (EMP) is part of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance (ORPP) within the State Water Resources Control Board’s Executive Office. ORPP staff collaborate across teams and support one another through:

• Rigorous excellence: Bring creativity and curiosity, supported by quality work and sound analysis.
• Accountability: Take ownership, adapt as needed, and deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Lead or support others and seek help when needed.
• Direct, respectful communication that strengthens our work.
• Commitment to equity through inclusive practices and decisions.

Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact protecting California’s vital water resources. EMP is hiring two Environmental Scientists (ES) to support statewide emergency response and environmental resilience. This role contributes to safeguarding water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies while collaborating with state, federal, tribal, and local partners.

During emergency activations, duties may include working at the State Operations Center or other emergency facilities. This may require working weekends, holidays, extended or rotating shifts, and travel to remote locations, including navigating challenging terrain and weather conditions. Candidates must communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure, and work within structured emergency response systems.

The Environmental Scientist will:
• Support preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for statewide emergencies.
• Coordinate with internal programs and external partners.
• Participate in briefings, meetings, outreach, and tribal consultations.
• Develop communication materials, reports, and training resources.
• Provide technical expertise on water quality and permitting needs.
• Support updates to emergency plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist Water Board staff with coordination during emergencies.
• Integrate equity, climate resilience, and the Human Right to Water into planning efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and after-action materials.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not have experience in every area listed. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications and have eligibility. Strong candidates will demonstrate accountability, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively in complex environments.

The position is located at 1001 I Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, near light rail and public transportation. This recruitment will fill two vacancies; applicants only need to apply once.

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-514098
Position #(s):
880-240-0762-074
880-240-0762-067
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:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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# 25-240-030/031 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 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: 5/4/2026

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 Branch - 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 Branch - 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.
    • 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.
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 and experience with emergency management systems, including the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
  • Proven ability to build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively with state, local, and federal agencies, as well as across internal divisions, teams, and offices, to achieve common objectives.
  • Experience supporting and leading project management activities, ensuring alignment with objectives, maintaining timelines, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
  • Knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of environmental or emergency management policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities, successfully transition to new assignments while managing ongoing tasks, and complete high-quality work under tight deadlines, including turnaround times as short as two hours.
  • Knowledge and understanding of racial equity and environmental justice principles, with an ability to incorporate them into everyday responsibilities and decision-making.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear and concise reports, developing briefing materials, and delivering engaging presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Skilled at rapidly distilling complex information into key points and conveying them effectively in written and verbal formats while preserving accuracy and context.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure in high-stakes situations, demonstrating sound judgment, composure, self-confidence, and decisiveness.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (such as GIS) used to support decision-making, work-planning, and/or policy development.
  • Current 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification.

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

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:
Tiffani Pace
(916) 327-7001
Tiffani.pace@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Krystle Taylor
(916) 327-2040
krystle.taylor@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 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 must be typed, no more than three (3) pages in length, using Arial font size 12, and with normal margins. Include each numbered prompt as a section header. Ensure each section is clear, complete, and stands alone. Use distinct examples when possible, and identify relevant roles, experience, and total years of experience in each section.

  1. Collaboration & Coordination: Describe your experience coordinating with other programs, agencies, or working groups to achieve an objective. Include examples of how you have facilitated collaboration, shared technical expertise, and resolved complex multi-agency challenges.
  2. High-Stress and Field Work Experience: Describe your experience working under stressful, high-stakes conditions. Include experience working in field settings and/or during extended or rotating shifts and describe how you maintained effectiveness under these conditions.
  3. Outreach and Communication: Describe your experience preparing and delivering presentations, internal or external outreach materials, briefings, or technical reports. Include examples of how you have communicated complex technical information to diverse audiences, including internal staff, external agencies, and the public.
  4. Project Management: Describe your experience leading a project. Provide specific examples of how you managed timelines, coordinated with other staff, teams, or external groups, and the project management tools or practices you used to ensure successful completion within deadlines and supervisory expectations.
  5. Policy and Process Development: Describe your experience developing or updating policies, procedures, or guidance documents. Include specific examples detailing your role, and the outcome or impact of your participation.
  6. Public Speaking: Describe your experience presenting in public spaces such as inter-agency workgroup meetings, conferences, internal Roundtables, or similar venues. Include specific examples detailing your role, how you prepared for the presentation, and the outcome or impact of your participation.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will 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