Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-533625
-
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: 10/28/2026

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Do you have experience with enforcement of environmental laws and regulations? Are you interested in working independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary interagency team? If so, this may be the position for you! Apply today and join our team.

The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board's Agricultural and Enforcement Division has an opening for an Environmental Scientist working in our Enforcement Unit. The position will be in either of two North Coast Regional offices:

  1. Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) main office location: 5550 Skylane Boulevard, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, in the Airport Business Park next to the Sonoma County Airport, the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Train, and other public transportation,

OR

  1. Eureka (Humboldt County) Northern Field Office location: 930 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, in Downtown Eureka.

Duties: The Environmental Scientist will fill a role in the Enforcement Unit within the Agricultural and Enforcement Division, working as part of an interdisciplinary team coordinating with the Regional Water Board, regulated entities, non-governmental organizations, and the public. The duties of this position include leading and assisting in the development of enforcement cases referred from regulatory units across the office, applying the State Water Resources Control Board's Enforcement Policy penalty methodology, and coordinating with management and legal staff to develop enforcement orders and support settlement negotiations; reviewing and investigating complaints of threatened or existing nonpoint source pollution, conducting field inspections and jurisdictional determinations, and developing notices of violation and progressive enforcement actions; performing environmental analyses and compliance reviews of regulated facilities, including review of self-monitoring reports and coordination with caseworkers to recommend or assess penalties; reviewing proposed projects affecting waters of the state for compliance with the Basin Plan, Porter-Cologne, the Clean Water Act, and CEQA, including preparing 401 water quality certifications and waste discharge requirements; and participating on technical and interagency committees, preparing presentation materials, and representing Regional Water Board policies at public hearings and meetings.

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.

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-533625
Position #(s):
880-110-0762-066
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

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.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 26-110-009 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:  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 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.

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: 10/28/2026

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:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

State Water Resources Control Board
Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
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 - Please see below for specific requirements
  • Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included
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:
  • Experience inspecting regulated facilities and assessing site conditions.
  • Experience working with state, federal, and local agencies, tribes, research organizations, community members, and regulated entities.
  • Strong organizational and decision-making skills.
  • Due to the enforcement nature of this position, a certain level of comfort with conflict and an ability to manage it with composure is highly desirable.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Familiarity with the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Clean Water Act, and water quality issues in California, or other environmental laws and regulations.
  • Education and experience assessing impacts on water quality and the beneficial uses of water.
  • Experience in reviewing and/or preparing technical reports related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Permits, Stormwater, Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, Agricultural Lands, and/or Non-Point Source sites.
  • Experience interpreting laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office software, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, water quality modeling, database management, and statistical analysis software.
  • Experience and knowledge working with black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) communities and/or implementing actions to promote racial equity.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS

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: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Danielle Klemencic
(916) 319-8293
danielle.klemencic@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jeremiah Puget
(707) 576-2835
jeremiah.puget@waterboards.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:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.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

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than (two) 2 pages in length, using size 12 Arial Font, and normal margins.

Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions, and provide examples:

  • Describe your understanding of the importance of environmental enforcement for the protection of water quality and its role within the greater context of environmental regulation.
  • Describe your experience developing environmental enforcement cases, and documenting areas of inadequacy at regulated facilities.
  • Describe your experience in evaluating land disturbing activities, industrial facilities or environmental data, and assessing potential and/or actual impacts to the environment, water quality, and streams and wetlands.
  • Describe your experience working within a multi-disciplinary inter-agency/departmental team.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated may not be considered.

For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

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