What are the responsibilities and job description for the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST position at Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery?
Job Posting: Environmental Scientist
Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 7/27/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) in the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Evaluation Unit, the Environmental Scientist (ES) will implement the LEA certification program, the LEA, and Tire Enforcement Agency (TEA) evaluation programs, and matters associated with LEA/TEA performance evaluation outcomes related to solid waste/waste tire program implementation. The incumbent will apply basic principles of chemistry, biology, physical and environmental sciences, environmental characteristics of waste materials and solid waste systems related to public health and environmental protection standards. The ES will be required to gather complex data from multiple sources, review, analyze and assess compliance in the areas of solid waste facility permitting, inspection, closure and maintenance of LEA/TEA program requirements and records. The ES will communicate with all levels of local government and CalRecycle management, regarding LEA/TEA evaluation findings, action items and program recommendations necessary to certify an LEA or to bring LEA/TEA programs in line with statutes and regulations. The incumbent will participate in forums, workgroups, and special projects within CalRecycle as related to the LEA Evaluation Unit, Tire Enforcement Section, Financial Resources Section and CalRecycle’s overall priorities. The incumbent may be required to travel as part of this position, with duration and time variant upon meeting and facility locations.
This position requires that you possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your applications. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Failing to maintain a valid CDL will result in a failure to meet job requirements.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense. Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position Details
Department Information
California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.
Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.
CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.
CalRecycle values 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 protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 25-205 & Position # 835-838-0762-005 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
- Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.
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: 7/27/2026Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- Degree and/or School Transcripts
- Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualifications field below.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience developing and writing guidance documents or technical reports.
- Experience working with jurisdictions, local/state agencies and internal/external program participants.
- Experience with public speaking and delivering presentations.
- Experience in acting as a project lead or team lead.
- Experience evaluating and analyzing compliance with regulatory standards.
- Experience generating reports, analyzing data and compiling information.
- Computer experience using a database to document and/or sort information and to prepare reports; and demonstrated proficiency with various computer programs, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other s
Benefits
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.
Human Resources RPA 25-205
(916) 341-6646
careers@calrecycle.ca.gov
Alexis Robison
(916) 341-6646
Alexis.Robison@calrecycle.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) 341-6660
EEO@calrecycle.ca.gov
Statement of Qualifications
Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. Applications received without this information may not be considered for this position. SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, and no smaller than 12-point font. The SOQ should address each of the Desirable Qualifications listed above.
Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.
Other
- Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License.
- Must have and maintain a REAL ID (compliant license or acceptable alternative form of identification) to be able to pass through TSA security checkpoints for required domestic flying.
- Must be able to occasionally travel (via airplane or car etc) to conduct State business.
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.
Salary : $4,418 - $9,321