Environmental Scientist (JC-505741)

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 505741 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: CalCareers

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 2/13/2026. 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 excited by the opportunity to support enforcement efforts to protect many wetlands and other waters of the state from environmental degradation? The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Enforcement has an opening for an Environmental Scientist that will support efforts to assess and mitigate the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett v. USEPA, in addition to supporting cross-program water quality-related enforcement efforts across the California. In this position within the Stormwater and Advanced Technology unit, you will also have the opportunity to help the Office of Enforcement develop tools that integrate machine learning/AI with GIS tools and remote sensing data to help identify overlooked or emerging water quality concerns and streamline the Water Boards enforcement response. The position is located at 801 K Street, 23rd Floor, Sacramento, offering excellent views above the heart of downtown next to the light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties: 

The Environmental Scientist (ES) is responsible for supporting efforts to assess the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (SACKETT) on the State Water Board’s project permitting and enforcement resource requirements. The ES also assists in supporting stormwater-related enforcement efforts, conducting enforcement investigations, and providing timely compliance analysis, while assisting the public and staff within the State Water Board, by phone, e-mail, mail, and in person. The ES assists in the development of novel uses of AI/machine learning with remote sensing technologies and GIS tools to identify and triage potential violations and emerging water quality concerns. The incumbent is required to communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and collect evidence during field inspections and analyze data from regulatory databases.

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.

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

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

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