What are the responsibilities and job description for the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST position at State Water Resources Control Board?
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
The State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board) Division of Water Quality Sustainable Water Plans and Policies Section has an opening for a permanent full-time Environmental Scientist to join a dynamic team environment in the Nonpoint Source Unit. We are seeking a talented scientist with the drive to collaborate across agencies, support data-driven watershed protection efforts, and help shape statewide strategies that safeguard water quality for all Californians.
The position is located at 1001 I Street, 15th Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.
Duties:
The Environmental Scientist works collaboratively with Regional Boards and state and federal partners to support statewide nonpoint source pollution control efforts and advance water quality protection and restoration. The position will assist in the administration of the federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant, which provides support to develop and implement watershed-based plans for the control of nonpoint source pollution. In addition, the unit is responsible for development of policy and programs focused on control of nonpoint source pollution including agricultural runoff, grazing, marinas, and pollution modelling.
See the Duty Statement for a detailed description of the position.
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.
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 approvedCivil 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.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-516737
Position #(s):
880-250-0762-179
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:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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.
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
RPA# 25-250-140 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility)
Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.Here is the link to the exam: CalCareers
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials 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.
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:
Strong understanding of nonpoint source pollution issues, watershed processes, and water quality protection strategies, including experience with best management practices (BMPs) for agricultural, urban, and forested landscapes.
Experience conducting scientific analysis, interpreting environmental data, and applying technical judgment to evaluate water quality impacts, program effectiveness, or project outcomes.
Knowledge of State and federal water quality laws, regulations, and programs, including the Nonpoint Source Program, Basin Planning, Clean Water Act Section 319, or related watershed management frameworks.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners including Regional Water Boards, State and federal agencies, tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the public to advance water quality improvement efforts.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical documents, reports, presentations, or outreach materials for both scientific and non-technical audiences.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced and evolving work environment.
Experience with grant or contract management, project oversight, or development and review of workplans, budgets, and deliverables.
Experience with financial management of grants, including the ability to track budgets, expenditures, and grant deliverables using spreadsheets such as Excel; proficiency with developing and troubleshooting formulas to ensure accurate financial tracking.
Familiarity with GIS, data visualization tools, watershed models, or other analytical tools used to support water quality assessments.
Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Salary : $53,016 - $111,852
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