Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

JC-536743
-
Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,551.00 - $9,787.00 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: 11/9/2026

Job Description and Duties

Do you want to support the ecological and economic well-being of one of the largest estuaries on the West Coast? The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy (Conservancy) is seeking an Environmental Scientist to develop and manage projects and grants for the Conservancy's Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Adaptation Program. This position provides an exciting opportunity to advance projects related to nature-based solutions, climate resiliency, ecosystem restoration, and agricultural sustainability in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) and Suisun Marsh.  The Conservancy is a small, committed team that works across departments and disciplines to protect, enhance, and restore the Delta's economy, agriculture and working landscapes, and environment.

In this position you will:

  • Manage, monitor, and close-out projects by monitoring performance and status by tracking deliverables, budgets, and expenditures.
  • Prepare and review agreements, reports, memos, documents, and invoices for the Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Adaptation Program.
  • Participate in community outreach and educate interested parties about the Conservancy, its programs, and issues of importance in the Delta and Suisun Marsh
  • Communicate with diverse collection of interested parties (e.g., environmental non-profits, regional conversation districts, public agencies) by preparing and presenting scientific reports, factsheets, workshops, and trainings.
  • Identify, research, and address issues related to nature-based solutions, climate resiliency, ecosystem restoration, and agricultural sustainability and apply for funding for projects to implement them.
  • Aid Conservancy staff and management with program implementation and special projects related to environmental concerns in the Delta and Suisun Marsh.


Personal Leave Program:
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

This position is eligible to telework up to one (1) day a week, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. This is subject to change based on operational need and/or future return to office orders. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment and once per year.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

To be considered for this Environmental Scientist job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#kw=environmental%20scientist

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

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6, West Sacramento, CA 95691.

The incumbent works primarily indoors in an air-conditioned office building with natural and artificial lighting. The workstation is in a cubicle near others and is equipped with standard or ergonomic office equipment, as appropriate. The position requires prolonged sitting or standing and frequent use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, multifunction printer, and software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Acrobat.

The incumbent must collaborate with staff, other state agencies, stakeholders, and grantees to complete assigned duties and attend or coordinate meetings as needed. The position also requires the ability and willingness to perform off-site work, including site visits, tours, and events that may involve walking over uneven terrain and working outdoors in inclement weather.

Travel within California is required up to 10 percent of the time and may involve driving or riding in a state-owned vehicle, rental car, or other private or public transportation, including airplanes. Travel may occasionally require extended work hours and overnight stays.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536743
Position #(s):
531-100-0762-013
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,551.00 - $6,337.00 A
$5,531.00 - $7,718.00 B
$7,000.00 - $9,787.00 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:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
6:30am - 3:30pm
Work Week:
Monday- Friday

Department Information

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a unique region in the heart of California, providing critical habitat for birds and fish, supporting agricultural production that reaches markets around the world, offering scenic and recreational opportunities to millions of visitors, and supplying water to more than 27 million Californians. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy plays a vital role in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the Delta’s economy, agricultural resources, working landscapes, and environment.


Working at the Conservancy offers a unique opportunity to gain diverse, hands-on experience while contributing to work that has a lasting impact on the region and its communities. We are seeking a solution-oriented, detail-focused individual who is eager to collaborate, tackle challenges, and help advance our mission.  

We recognize that a strong organization reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where people of different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.


Our Mission:
Working collaboratively and in coordination with local communities, the Conservancy will lead efforts to protect, enhance, and restore the Delta’s economy, agriculture and working landscapes, and environment for the benefit of the Delta region, its local communities, and the citizens of California.


Our Values:
Transparency, Integrity, Equity, Adaptability, and Collaboration


Our Guiding Principles:

The Delta Conservancy:

  • Acts in collaboration with the communities of the Delta and Suisun Marsh to implement multi-benefit initiatives.
  • Operates with integrity in a transparent and accessible manner.
  • Supports efforts that advance both environmental protection and economic well-being in a complementary manner.
  • Uses best available science.
  • Recognizes and values the unique nature of the history, culture, communities, and ecosystems of the Delta and Suisun Marsh.
  • Believes that access to natural resources, the benefits of ecological health, and the advantages of economic growth should be equitably distributed and accessible for all.
  • Is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.


Special Requirements

  • Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities performed, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a complete STD 678 may be disqualified.
  • Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded online or provided with your application package.
  • If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading or sending your transcripts.
  • Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
  • Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University. A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://naces.org/members/.

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: 11/9/2026

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:

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
SSJDC - MAILING
Attn: Human Resources RPA
1450 Halyard Drive, Ste. 6
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
SSJDC - DROP OFF
Human Resources RPA
1450 Halyard Drive, Ste. 6
West Sacramento, CA 95691
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other -

    REQUIRED – Supplemental Questionnaire. Please see the Supplemental Questionnaire section on the job advertisement for details and instructions. 

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 in initiating, managing, and closing out projects including preparing, reviewing, and tracking scopes of work, reports, budgets, timelines, and other documents.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with nature-based solutions, climate resiliency, ecosystem restoration, or agricultural sustainability
  • Experience using Excel and other Microsoft Office Suite products.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing environmental documents (e.g. scientific reports).
  • Experience in preparing communications and communicating with various audiences.
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized and strong attention to detail.

 

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected for an interview.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

  • Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Holidays and leave
  • Defined benefit retirement program
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts


Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.ca.gov/agency/?item=sacramentodashlinesan-joaquin-delta-conservancy
Hiring Unit Contact:
Brenda Lusk
(916) 634-3682
brenda.lusk@deltaconservancy.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 Main Line
(916) 376-5127
DGSEEO@dgs.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.

Additional Information

Reporting Location: 

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6, West Sacramento, CA 95691.

Please specify RPA #31346 and JC-536743 on your state application. 

Examination Information: 

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete in the state’s merit-based recruitment and hiring process. To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement: 

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search    Successful examination applicants are placed on a hiring eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareers account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and/or to re-take the examination when necessary.  

For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the DGS Examinations Unit at DGSExams@dgs.ca.gov. 

Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ)

The SQ should be typed, no more than one page in length, using Arial 12-point font, and normal margins. Include your name at the top of the page and title the document ‘Supplemental Questionnaire’. You do not need to retype the questions in your response but please number your responses. Applications received without an SQ will not be considered.

  1. Describe your experience or training related to initiating, managing, and closing projects, contracts, or grants.
  2. Describe your education or experience in the Bay-Delta watershed, or similar wetland, estuarine, aquatic, or related ecosystem.

 

Please note Resumes, letters, Statement of Qualifications, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SQ.

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