Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Do you have a passion to perform a variety of scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies for CalRecycle’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Scientist to join our talented team that is passionate to work in Textiles Unit!

Position Description

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist (incumbent) at Range A (an entry level employee) works under direct supervision performing the least complex scientific work; at Range B (an intermediate level employee) works under general supervision performing moderately complex work; or at Range C (a journey person level employee) works independently performing the most complex work. The Environmental Scientist (ES) will have a variety of responsibilities from scientific, analytical, and administrative duties to implement and enforce the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 within the Textiles Unit. The incumbent applies the principles of scientific research and analytical skills to perform complex technical tasks and uses statistical knowledge to gather, assess, and review data in order to ensure their compliance with CalRecycle's producer responsibility and product stewardship requirements and regulations. The incumbent is responsible for the determination of violations and their general effects on public health, safety, and the environment for the programs, reviewing findings and preparing the reports for technical adequacy on enforcement matters, and doing other related work to perform the duties listed below. Additionally, the ES will play an important role in developing and implementing new enforcement programs related to products with EPR and product stewardship requirements.

The Program is responsible for compliance and enforcement related to producer responsibility, product stewardship and seeks to enforce EPR laws governing the regulated communities including, but not limited to: Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO), producers/manufacturers of covered products, licensees of trademarks or brands, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and other regulated parties. The incumbent will determine if regulated communities are in compliance by performing field inspections and investigations. On a daily basis, conduct research of businesses, products, and industries to plan inspections and conduct investigations; develop sound conclusions and recommendations for the issuance of timely, concise and complete inspection reports; and compile defensible facts for legal documents. Serve as an EPR compliance program liaison and educate stakeholders verbally and in writing; accurately explain the law and potential enforcement consequences; prepare correspondence; meet regulatory deadlines; and implement established enforcement processes. Work in coordination with CalRecycle’s other supporting technical staff and the Legal Office; evaluate the significance of violations of non-compliant entities and program trends; compile, organize data and use mathematical formulas and develop databases and tools to perform statistical analyses to track compliance trends of the regulated community to evaluate overall program success; recommend corrective actions or penalties and fines to effectively achieve the program(s) mandates to protect public health and safety and the environment. Prepare findings to present and conduct technical trainings to supervisors, technical offices, Executive Management and Stakeholders.

This position involves traveling throughout California involving multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.

As of July 1st, 2026, the position is office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.  This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The 40-hour work week schedule is typically dayshift, Monday through Friday. Office and field work includes, on a regular basis, writing and reviewing inspection reports and notices, contact with the regulated community by way of in-person, phone and video conferencing, preparation and review of other documents and internet research. Overnight travel may be required locally and within the state. The job occasionally requires you to perform field inspections, hear vehicles and alarms or other audible signals of possible risk.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

• When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 26-034 & Position # 835-824-0762-001 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position. 

• Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

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:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information, identify problems, evaluate options, and provide sound, data-supported recommendations
• Ability to adapt to evolving program needs, shifting priorities, and changes in regulatory or program direction.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and related productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat), and preparing reports, guidance materials, and recommendations for management or external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex technical or regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with stakeholders, multiple agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR

Statement of Qualifications

Statement of Qualification Instructions:

• No more than two pages in length
• Normal 1 inch margins
• Single line spaced
• Times New Roman font, 12 point
• Indicate your name on the top of the page

1. Describe your experience communicating scientific, environmental, or technical information. Include examples of the types of documents, reports, or presentations you have prepared, the audiences you prepared them for, and how you ensured that complex information was clear, and appropriate for those audiences. Explain how you adapt your communication style for different stakeholder and provide examples of both written and verbal communication.
2. Explain how you manage workload independently and describe your experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, such as scientists, engineers, analysts, or regulatory staff.
3. Describe projects or assignments in which you analyzed scientific or technical information to support decisions. Include examples where you identified issues or data gaps, evaluated potential solutions or alternatives, and recommended a course of action based on evidence. Explain your analytical approach and how you used data, research, or evaluation criteria to justify your conclusions.
4. Describe situations in which you adapted to changes in program direction, workload shifts, new policies, or evolving regulatory requirements. Explain how you ensured successful outcomes despite these changes.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - See Statement of Qualifications Section below for instructions.