Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to make a difference and join a highly motivated team working on issues critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of California? The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety’s Environmental Science Division is seeking a Environmental Scientist to evaluate vegetation management aspects of electric utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP).

The Environmental Science Division is responsible for evaluating the vegetation management aspects of utility WMPs, assessing performance in meeting vegetation management-related commitments described in the WMPs, and ensuring that each utility is reducing its risk of igniting a catastrophic wildfire. To this end, Division scientists review regulatory filings and utility procedures, analyze reported data, perform audits, conduct field inspections, publish findings, and engage with the utilities and interested parties. Division scientists serve as subject-matter experts in utility vegetation management and environmental policy related to wildfire risk reduction. Our team of scientists is highly collaborative and works closely with the Performance Assessment, Electrical Safety Policy, and Data Analytics Divisions.

Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) of the Environmental Policy Branch in the  Environmental Science Division, the incumbent will review and evaluate vegetation management-related aspects of  electric utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans, develop utility vegetation management best management practices for  wildfire safety, and contribute to the development of Guidelines. The incumbent will also develop and maintain  relationships with Federal, State, and local agency partners and serve as an environmental science subject matter  expert to assist other Energy Safety Divisions.

The reporting location for this position is California Natural Resources Agency Building located at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

This position is headquartered in Sacramento, California  a nd may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for applicants residing in  California, in accordance with Government Code Section 14200 and the Department’s current telework policy. A hybrid schedule typically includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office a minimum of four days per week; however, the specific number of in-office days and the overall telework schedule are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Department based on operational needs, policy changes, or direction from State leadership. Employees may be required to report to their designated work location with minimal notice. Telework does not alter the terms and conditions of employment, essential job functions, or compliance with departmental policies .

• Incumbent is required to travel, including overnight stays, and on occasion be required to work unusual hours. 
• Energy Safety will utilize a Hybrid Remote/In-person approach enabling staff to telework, when approved by management.
• Energy Safety will use shared workspaces for most staff (hoteling stations) when required to work in the office.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)  is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

Please include a one (1) page, 12-point font, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following:

1. Describe your experience with vegetation management, forestry, and/or wildfire risk mitigation concepts, and how you have applied them in practical settings.
2. Describe your experience conducting research or analysis related to government policies, programs, and/or regulations.
3. Describe your experience working collaboratively with others to support a project, task, or workstream.

Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.

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.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency. 

Do not include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)

SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You  must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.

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:

• Knowledge of vegetation management, forestry, and wildfire risk mitigation.
• Knowledge of electric utilities.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in policy research and analysis.

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 Account

Some added benefits include: Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.

Additional Instructions

If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position #681-310-0762-008 and the Job Control # JC-537620 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678. 

Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.

Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

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 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 Special Requirements section.