Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 494946 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 10/24/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

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

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.

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.

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring scientific integrity? Do you thrive on solving complex problems and guiding laboratories toward excellence? If so, this may be the perfect opportunity for you! The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as an Accreditation Officer in the Program Management Branch. In this role, you’ll be a trusted technical and regulatory expert, working directly with laboratories, program leaders, and state partners to uphold the highest standards of environmental testing. The position is located at 1001 I Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento — right in the heart of downtown, steps away from light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties:

Being an Accreditation Officer allows you to turn laboratory experience into impact, helping the laboratories gain accreditation to support the protection of public health and the environment. You will be part of something bigger by ensuring trust, integrity, and excellence in science.

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.

Job type: Full-Time

$7,556.00 - $10,221.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.