Job Posting: Sr. Climate Research Specialist

Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation

JC-532855
-
Sr. Climate Research Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 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: 10/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, the Research Data Specialist II (Senior Climate Research Specialist) supports implementation of California’s Climate Change Assessment (Assessment), as part of LCI’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP). The Senior Climate Research Specialist will lead the development and implementation of the Climate Change Assessment’s Regional Reports and support the overall coordination and administration of the research portfolio based on administrative, expert, and community priorities. This position works to integrate climate change into planning and investment decisions through the development of decision-support tools, actionable climate science, guidance, technical assistance, and grant programs, and broader Strategic Planning and Policy Development branch.

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

Working Conditions

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move object up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Occasional/overnight travel up to 15% may be required.


Telework

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of LCI under California Government Code Section 14200. The incumbent is required to report in-person and site-based four days per week. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with LCI policies.


CA residency

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.



Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532855
Position #(s):
368-501-5758-001
Working Title:
Sr. Climate Research Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00
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
Work Shift:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Work Week:
Monday to Friday

Department Information

The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency. LCI assists the Governor and the Administration in planning, research, policy development, and legislative analysis. LCI formulates long- range state goals and policies to address land use, climate change, population growth and distribution, urban expansion, infrastructure development, groundwater sustainability and drought response, and resource protection. LCI’s budget programs include State Planning and Policy Development, Strategic Growth Council, and Racial Equity Commission. LCI is a fast-paced, creative work environment that requires staff to have strong collaboration skills, an ability to quickly respond to changing policy needs, and a positive attitude and sense of humor. Proven commitment to creating a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences.

Person Leave Program Reduction

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

Special Requirements

  • Well-developed oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to effectively handle stress and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to problem-solve and use critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work.
  • Demonstrated ability to act independently to identify, develop, complete, and promote projects.
  • Use of tact and good judgement in public settings.
  • Enthusiasm to contribute to the continued leadership of California’s climate efforts.
  • A sense of humor.

    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: 10/6/2026

    Who 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).

    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:

    Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
    Human Resources Office
    Attn: Cristina Granado
    1400 10th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
    Human Resources Office
    Cristina Granado
    1400 10th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    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.
    • Statement of Qualifications -

      A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and MUST be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Résumés in lieu of the SOQ will not be considered. 

       

      Refer to the SOQ Requirement Section of this job posting for the SOQ questions.

    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    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:
    • Strong scientific understanding of risk, risk management, and disaster recovery, particularly related to climate change, climate adaptation, and social vulnerability.
    • Experience with and knowledge of interdisciplinary climate impacts and adaptation science, especially in an applied research context.
    • Commitment to high ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
    • Academic training and/or professional experience in policy or scientific disciplines and demonstrated history of interdisciplinary collaboration and project experience.
    • Existing relationships with relevant state and federal agencies, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and academic researchers.
    • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including developing effective technical reports, briefing documents, policy recommendations, and presentations.
    • Ability to translate technical information for a variety of audiences.
    • Ability to develop creative solutions to complex and potentially sensitive problems.
    • Strong organizational, time management, analytical, and project management skills to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects with short- and long-term deliverables.
    • Experience working on statewide climate resilience policy and research.
    • Master’s degree in relevant field, PhD preferred.

      Benefits

      There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:


      Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

      Contact Information

      The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

      Human Resources Contact:
      Cristina Granado
      (279) 259-1534
      cristina.granado@lci.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:
      Alanna Dayton
      (279) 228-3940
      Alanna.dayton@lci.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.

      Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

      STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)
      RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

      A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the desirable qualifications and demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties listed in this bulletin. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

      When completing the SOQ, you must title the page “Statement of Qualifications” and include your name and the Job Control number on the first page. You must list and provide your answer below each question. When completing the SOQ please include all relevant experience, education, and training for each question and explain your answers thoroughly. Responses should be no longer than two pages in total length, single-spaced, and 12-point Arial font. Your SOQ must address the following:

      1. Please describe why you are interested in this position and how your background, education and experience makes you a qualified candidate.
      2. Describe an example of a multidisciplinary research project you worked on, and your role in the effort. Elaborate on any components you were responsible for leading, and how you communicated findings to target audiences.
      3. In this role, how would you promote inclusivity throughout the research process, and communicate research findings to help inform equitable climate resilience policy?

      Additional Application Instructions

      Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

      All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

      • "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
      • Hours worked per week
      • Private sector job titles
      • Supervisor name and phone number
      • Job duties performed
      • State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).


      Transcripts

      If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S. equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here. 


      Personal Identifying Information
      Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

      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.

      Application Methods:
      Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
      By Mail
      Drop-off
      Print Job