Job Posting: SCIENTIFIC AID

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-534033
-
SCIENTIFIC AID
SCIENTIFIC AID

$18.26 - $21.67 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

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

This position is paid on an hourly basis and limited to 1500 hours in a rolling year.  The salary range for Scientific Aid is $18.26 - $21.06 per hour.  

The State Water Resources Control Board, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, has an opening for a Scientific Aid in the Enforcement Unit II. The position is located at 320 West 4th Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Under the direct supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Scientific Aid provides entry-level technical, scientific, data management, field, and administrative support to professional staff in the Enforcement Unit II. The position provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in water quality protection, environmental compliance, regulatory programs, field investigations, and enforcement.

The Scientific Aid will assist professional staff with reviewing environmental, scientific, and engineering technical reports; retrieving, compiling, organizing, and analyzing water quality and compliance information; maintaining regulatory and enforcement information in databases and tracking systems; conducting scientific research; and preparing routine scientific, inspection, compliance, and enforcement-related documentation.

The Scientific Aid may also accompany professional staff during inspections of regulated facilities, construction sites, waterways, and other field locations and participate in environmental sampling activities. Field assignments may include documenting site conditions using photographs, electronic tablets, GPS or other field equipment; assisting with sample collection; and organizing field and monitoring information for evaluation by professional staff.

The position also provides program support through records management, public file reviews, preparation and distribution of correspondence and regulatory documents, and other activities supporting the Enforcement Unit II.

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 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-534033
Position #(s):
880-140-1931-903
Working Title:
SCIENTIFIC AID
Classification:
SCIENTIFIC AID
$18.26 - $21.67
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:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
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

To be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 26-140-019 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the state application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree and transcripts (unofficial ok).
  • Driver License. 
  • CalWORKs recipient – Please see below for additional information.

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: 10/12/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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: Danielle Klemencic
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
Danielle Klemencic
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. Explain how your skills will enhance the work of the Enforcement Unit II of the Regional Board.
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.

  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of environmental science, water quality, or related scientific disciplines, including general scientific concepts and basic research principles.
  • Experience reviewing, evaluating, summarizing, or extracting relevant information from environmental, scientific, engineering, or other technical reports.
  • Experience conducting quantitative or statistical analyses using R, including organizing and analyzing data and interpreting analytical results.
  • Experience writing R and/or Python scripts for data processing, data management, automation, analysis, visualization, reporting, or other scientific or regulatory applications.
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel to organize, analyze, summarize, and present data, including experience working with large datasets and using functions, formulas, pivot tables, or similar analytical tools.
  • Experience using Microsoft Access or other relational databases, including creating queries, retrieving and organizing data, importing data, and generating reports.
  • Experience using GIS software to create maps, display or analyze spatial data, or support environmental or scientific projects.
  • Experience preparing clear, organized, and technically accurate scientific, environmental, academic, inspection, or other technical reports and written work products.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate scientific, technical, or regulatory information clearly and professionally.
  • Experience preparing presentations or other materials used to communicate scientific, technical, regulatory, or environmental information to professional or public audiences.
  • Experience providing customer service or interacting professionally and cooperatively with coworkers, members of the public, regulated entities, consultants, governmental agencies, or other stakeholders.
  • Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills, including the ability to organize information, maintain accurate records, manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and exercise good judgment.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in environmental fieldwork, including environmental inspections, field observations, water-quality monitoring, environmental sampling, or collection and documentation of field data.
  • College-level coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, hydrology, statistics, data science, computer science, or another related scientific or technical discipline.
  • Ability and willingness to perform both office and field assignments and to work at least 20 hours per week.

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:
Danielle Klemencic
(916) 319-8293
danielle.klemencic@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Pavlova Vitale
(213) 576-6751
pavlova.vitale@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 should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial size 12 font, and normal margins.

In the SOQ, applicants should specifically describe their experience, education, or training in the following areas:

  • Reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, or preparing environmental, scientific, engineering, academic, or other technical reports.
  • Quantitative or statistical data analysis, including experience using R.  
  • Writing R and/or Python scripts for data processing, data management, automation, analysis, visualization, reporting, or other applications.
  • Using Microsoft Excel and databases, including Microsoft Access or other relational databases, to organize, analyze, query, retrieve, or report data.
  • Using GIS or other spatial data tools to create maps, display or analyze spatial information, or support scientific or environmental projects.
  • Environmental or scientific fieldwork, including inspections, field observations, environmental sampling, water-quality monitoring, or other field data collection.
  • Preparing written reports and presentations and communicating technical or scientific information verbally and in writing.
  • Customer service, teamwork, planning, organization, and time management.
  • Relevant college-level coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, hydrology, statistics, data science, computer science, or another related scientific or technical field.

Applicants should provide specific examples where possible and clearly identify the software, analytical methods, programming languages, or other technical tools they have used. Relevant experience may include employment, internships, coursework, research, laboratory work, academic projects, or volunteer activities.

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.

CalWORKs Additional Information

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position.

Applicants on public assistance under the CalWORKs/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will be given priority. A letter from the County Welfare department verifying CalWORKs/TANF status MUST be submitted with your application. If verification is not submitted with the Std. 678 application, the application will not be processed. Applicants who receive state public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on their state application.

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