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
JC-523419
Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
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: 8/1/2026
Job Description and Duties
Do you have a desire to work to reduce waste and help protect the health and well-being of California’s people and environment? Do you have the knowledge and skills to perform scientific, analytical and technical work to help affected parties achieve "compliance through assistance"?
In the Local Assistance and Market Development Branch (LAMD) staff are CalRecycle’s field representatives, delivering the department's vision to inspire and challenge Californians to achieve the highest waste reduction, recycling, and reuse goals in the nation. Additionally, staff play an important role in delivering the department's services and programs to local and regional jurisdictions and providing technical assistance for building comprehensive recycling communities.
Staff play a key role in assisting local governments, local education agencies, and non local entities such as state and federal agencies in achieving statutorily mandated waste diversion goals; educating, motivating and overseeing programs to increase public participation in all aspects of waste reduction, including waste prevention, recycling, and composting in addition to edible food recovery. In addition, the staff is responsible for participating on collaborative teams focused on the department’s high-priority initiatives. This position involves travel throughout the state approximately 20% of the time.
This position is currently telework centric under California Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, and occasionally reports to headquarters for hands on meetings and/or trainings. The position provides a mix of independent and team-oriented field work, research, analysis, report writing and correspondence.
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.
Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office-centered, requiring employees to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the positions designated headquarter location, as reflected on the duty statement and at their own expense.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The incumbent works in an office building in Cerritos, in an enclosed, non-windowed office cubicle in a smoke-free environment. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Mandatory overtime, including evening and weekend work may be necessary during the year end closing process or when the department is mission tasked. Travel may be required locally and within the state.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-523419
Position #(s):
835-721-0762-XXX
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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.
Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov
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 25-314/315 & Position # 835-721-0762-XXX 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.
- If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or 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: 8/1/2026Who 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).
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:
Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Attn: Human Resources RPA 25-314/315
P.O. Box 4025, MS 19A
Sacramento, CA 95812-4025
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery
N/A
Human Resources RPA 25-314/315
1001 I Street, 19th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95812-4025
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.
- Other - Cover Letter
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:
- Experience in and/or knowledge of solid waste programs such as waste prevention, recycling, reuse, organics management, hazardous materials management, and/or edible food recovery.
- Experience performing environmental or sustainability programs and/or project responsibilities to interpret the laws, regulations, and requirements to ensure implementation of environmental management statutes and regulations.
- Experience facilitating meetings, building partnerships, and conducting presentations to local and state government, non-local entities, local education agencies, and industry.
- Experience providing customer service and/or technical assistance to assist a variety of audiences such as the public, local governments, businesses, state agencies or other stakeholders.
- Experience in collecting and analyzing data, conducting program analyses, and making policy and legislative recommendations to management.
Benefits
In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR
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: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Hallie Holloway
(916) 445-1474
Hallie.Holloway@calrecycle.ca.gov
Hallie Holloway
(916) 445-1474
Hallie.Holloway@calrecycle.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jennifer Bartholomew
(916) 341-6208
jennifer.bartholome@calrecycle.ca.gov
Jennifer Bartholomew
(916) 341-6208
jennifer.bartholome@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
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.
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