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.
Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career in Water Resources? If you enjoy a career in public service for healthy water quality through fair, firm, consistent and transparent enforcement of water quality regulations, then this may be the position for you! Apply today and join our team. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region has an opening for an Environmental Scientist in the Compliance Assurance Unit. The position is located at 2375 Northside Drive, San Diego, California 92108, in the Mission Valley area near light rail stations and other public transportation.
Duties:The Environmental Scientist (ES) is responsible for collecting, compiling, reviewing, analyzing, and communicating information to make compliance determinations using scientific, technical, and adjudicated standards within the Sanitary Sewer Collection System program and across multiple surface and groundwater protection programs throughout the Regional Board’s jurisdictional area. The position requires the ability to work independently, meticulously maintain records, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and become proficient in technical, writing, and presentation skills. Daily proficient use of office equipment and the Microsoft Office Suite is required. Occasional field work involving facility and natural site inspections is required.
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 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.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-516136
Position #(s):
880-190-0762-041
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:
San Diego County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board
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# 25-190-055 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 haveEnvironmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.
Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=4286
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential’s 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:
Demonstrated interest in state government’s role in regulating, protecting, and restoring water quality.
Experience preparing or critically reviewing environmental compliance reports submitted to a CalEPA department or board, preferably involving the biological, chemical, or physical integrity of surface water, groundwater, or contaminated soils.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical information in plain language.
Experience applying scientific methods and principles to identify, research, and resolve issues affecting the biological, physical, or chemical integrity of surface water or groundwater.
Strong attention to detail, including experience maintaining accurate and thorough records during research, inspections, or investigations.
Experience researching industry standards, practices, or responsible party information related to water resource management.
Salary : $53,016 - $111,852
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