Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety

JC-527961
-
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: 8/27/2026

Job Description and Duties

This is statewide recruitment. Reporting location will be the closest OEIS office to the selected candidate’s residence.

Sacramento: 715 P Street, 15th Floor, CNRA Building, Sacramento, CA 95814
Oakland Office: 555 12th Street, Suite 425, Oakland, CA 94607
LA Office: 3950 Paramount Blvd, Suite 210, Lakewood, CA 90712 

Are you looking to make a difference and join a highly motivated team working on issues critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of California? The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety’s Environmental Science Division is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to evaluate vegetation management aspects of electric utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP).

The Environmental Science Division is responsible for evaluating the vegetation management aspects of utility WMPs, assessing performance in meeting vegetation management-related commitments described in the WMPs, and ensuring that each utility is reducing its risk of igniting a catastrophic wildfire. To this end, Division scientists review regulatory filings and utility procedures, analyze reported data, perform audits, conduct field inspections, publish findings, and engage with the utilities and interested parties. Division scientists serve as subject-matter experts in utility vegetation management and environmental policy related to wildfire risk reduction. Our team of scientists is highly collaborative and works closely with the Compliance Assurance, Electrical Safety Policy, and Data Analytics Divisions.

Under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) in the Environmental Policy Support Branch of the Environmental Science Division, the employee will review and evaluate the vegetation management-related aspects of electric utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans; lead the development of utility vegetation management best practices for wildfire safety; and lead the development of related Guidelines. The employee will also develop and maintain relationships with Federal, State, and local agency partners, and will serve as an environmental science subject matter expert supporting other Energy Safety Divisions. Occasional travel may be required.

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

Working Conditions

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for applicants residing in California, in accordance with Government Code Section 14200 and the Department’s current telework policy. A hybrid schedule typically includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office a minimum of 4 days per week; however, the specific number of in-office days and the overall telework schedule are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Department based on operational needs, policy changes, or direction from State leadership. Employees may be required to report to their designated work location with minimal notice. Telework does not alter the terms and conditions of employment, essential job functions, or compliance with departmental policies.

  • Energy Safety will utilize a Hybrid Remote/In-person approach enabling staff to telework, when approved by management.
  • Energy Safety will use shared workspaces for most staff (hoteling stations) when required to work in the office.
  • Incumbent may be required to travel, including overnight stays, and on occasion be required to work unusual hours.
  • Overtime or working outside of work schedule.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-527961
Position #(s):
681-310-0765-005
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) is to create a safer, sustainable California with utility infrastructure that is managed to reduce excavation and wildfire risk and is adaptable to an evolving climate.

To take a look at Energy Safety as a destination employer, view this YouTube video

Energy Safety participates in E-Verify. If you apply for and are selected for a position, Energy Safety will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information upon appointment to confirm you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

Department Website: https://energysafety.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process. 

Please include a 1-2 page(s), 12-point font, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following:

1. Describe your experience related to vegetation management, forestry, and/or wildfire risk mitigation.
2. Describe your experience performing policy research and analysis.
3. Describe your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on a project or workstream.
4. Describe your experience as a lead on a project or workstream.

Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency. Click here to learn more about examinations available online.

Do not include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)

SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.

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: 8/27/2026

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:

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Mailing
Attn: Class & Hiring
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Drop Off
Class & Hiring
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Non-operational on weekends and state holidays
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 Special Requirements.
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 vegetation management, forestry, and wildfire risk mitigation.
  • Knowledge of electric utilities.
  • Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience in a lead role.
  • Experience in policy research and analysis.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

  • Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Holidays and leave
  • Defined benefit retirement program
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Account


Some added benefits include: Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.

Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://energysafety.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Class & Hiring
(916) 902-5927
Careers@energysafety.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) 902-6001
EEO@energysafety.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.

Additional Instructions

 If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 681-310-0765-XXX and the Job Control # JC-527961 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678. 

Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.

Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Eligibility Information

To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist). Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.

Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.

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