Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-521406
-
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 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: 7/17/2026

Job Description and Duties

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

Are you interested in developing flow thresholds necessary to support fish and other related beneficial uses in key watersheds throughout the state? Do you value public trust resources and want to help maintain them here in California? If so, this may be the position for you. The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights has an opening for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) in its Instream Flows Section. The position is located at 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties:

Under the general direction of an Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the incumbent will work in the Instream Flows Section (Section) with an interdisciplinary team of technical staff on programs and policies related to instream flows that are of major sensitivity and complexity. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will serve as the lead project scientist for the State Water Board’s efforts related to establishing and implementing instream flow objectives in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds and other priority watersheds throughout the state. The incumbent is responsible for leading the development of instream flow objectives and associated technical and environmental documents, evaluating existing biological and aquatic habitat studies, analyzing data, overseeing grants and contracts, participating in advisory groups, engaging with interested parties, and presenting to diverse audiences. The incumbent is also responsible for the development of information and for providing presentations to inform the State Water Board’s executive management, Board members, and the public of the Section’s work. 

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-521406
Position #(s):
880-300-0765-021
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,820.00 - $10,732.00
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:
Sacramento 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# 25-300-161 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=4287.

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 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: 7/17/2026

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- Rebecca Ramirez
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- Rebecca Ramirez
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Cover Letter is not required but may be submitted.
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:

Please remember these are desirables and are not required.

We are looking for applicants that possess knowledge and/or experience in the following areas:  

(1) instream flow analyses

(2) fisheries biology

(3) California water rights

(4) overseeing contracts and consultants

(5) California Environmental Quality Act

(6) developing technical information

(7) project management

(8) facilitating peer review of technical information

 

Additionally, applicants should possess:

(1) good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

(2) strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities on assignments in order to meet deadlines

(3) the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management, and the public

(4) the ability to work independently while handling multiple complex assignments

(5) the ability to work with and respond appropriately to the public, agencies, and other entities on controversial and complex issues, as needed

(6) the ability to review technical information to inform instream flow and related requirements

(7) the ability to conduct limited fieldwork and travel as needed

Benefits

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

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:
Rebecca Ramirez
(916) 552-8754
rebecca.ramirez@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Paige Uttley
(916) 799-5365
paige.uttley@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

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 serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The responses will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each applicant. Please provide examples (if possible) for each response.

  1. Why are you interested in becoming a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) working in the Instream Flows Section of the Division of Water Rights. How do the duties of this position contribute toward your career goals?
  2. Briefly describe your scientific background. Share your knowledge of and experience in hydrology, fisheries, aquatic biology, and instream flows.
  3. Describe your experience working on environmental documents for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
  4. Describe your general approach to working in multi-stakeholder, collaborative settings with complex stakeholder relationships and goals.

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