Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in helping protect large areas of habitat in Central California? This position might be for you! Your primary task will be to assist CalMat Co. DBA Vulcan Materials Company Western Division (Vulcan) with preserving species and their habitats through the Conservation and Mitigation Banking process. Specifically, you would be responsible for preparing, permitting, tracking, reviewing, editing, and commenting on conservation and mitigation banks, reviewing bank property real estate documents, and conducting due diligence reviews of entities holding or managing bank property. Other tasks include the permitting of Vulcan’s development projects throughout the state including Lake and Streambed Alteration permitting; California Endangered Species Act early consultation and issuance of Incidental Take Permits; and California Environmental Quality Act review. The incumbent will independently identify problems, develop courses of action, perform sensitive scientific investigations for complex development projects, and act as a technical lead person for scientists conducting similar work. Duties also include providing technical support, conducting mitigation negotiations, developing procedures, guidelines and standards, developing regional approaches and positions in coordination with headquarters staff, and supporting other program staff through mentoring and cross-training. This work includes early pre-consultation, education, and outreach efforts, to proactively address potential project issues with Vulcan for a more expedited and efficient environmental review process.

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:

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This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Link to Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Class Title Exam:

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. 

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard for several hours each day; use of Microsoft Office software up to eight hours each day; complete office tasks that require sitting, standing, and walking; attend meetings and video conference calls. The position will require field work. Driving may require travel of up to three or more hours each way including overnight travel up to 20 nights per year. Work schedules may include early mornings and late nights; hiking over uneven and possibly steep or wet terrain and use a 4-wheel drive or other All-Terrain Vehicle; and work in inclement weather. The position may require the incumbent to wear an official uniform for identification purposes.

Special Requirements

This position requires possession of a valid Driver's License. The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration. 

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:

Conscientious, positive, reliable, responsible, organized, and enthusiastic; strong initiative and adaptable; strategic thinker; ability to multi-task; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact; ability to lead discussions with CDFW staff and other professionals; and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Consistently applies the best available scientific information and accurate analysis. This includes innovative solutions for difficult environmental management problems and new methodologies and scientific application to aid management in policy formation and implementation. Effectively manages time through goal setting, prioritization and work planning. Manages overtime in accordance with labor agreements and direction of management.

Effective written and verbal communication skills; persuasive communication abilities; ability to build and maintain positive relationships; builds trust through honest communication and actions; strives to listen to others and understand their interests, concerns, and ideas; works independently and as part of a team; interacts effectively with others to achieve goals.

Work both independently and as part of a team; communicate politely, tactfully, and firmly as necessary; demonstrate excellent listening skills and effective negotiation skills. Effectively facilitate and resolve conflicts at lowest possible level. Ability to follow direction from superiors and work cooperatively with other CDFW program staff, and federal, State, and non-governmental organization partners; communicate effectively with superiors and coworkers. Strong interpersonal skills are highly desirable.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-431-0765-905  and RPA Number E-R4 ES 26-001in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at  .  If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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 -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.

• Other -

  A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission. Please submit a cover letter drafted in your own words.