Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Under direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) in the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Evaluation Unit, the Environmental Scientist (ES) will implement the LEA certification program, the LEA, and Tire Enforcement Agency (TEA) evaluation programs, and matters associated with LEA/TEA performance evaluation outcomes related to solid waste/waste tire program implementation. The incumbent will apply basic principles of chemistry, biology, physical and environmental sciences, environmental characteristics of waste materials and solid waste systems related to public health and environmental protection standards. The ES will be required to gather complex data from multiple sources, review, analyze and assess compliance in the areas of solid waste facility permitting, inspection, closure and maintenance of LEA/TEA program requirements and records. The ES will communicate with all levels of local government and CalRecycle management, regarding LEA/TEA evaluation findings, action items and program recommendations necessary to certify an LEA or to bring LEA/TEA programs in line with statutes and regulations. The incumbent will participate in forums, workgroups, and special projects within CalRecycle as related to the LEA Evaluation Unit, Tire Enforcement Section, Financial Resources Section and CalRecycle’s overall priorities. The incumbent may be required to travel as part of this position, with duration and time variant upon meeting and facility locations.

This position requires that you possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your applications. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Failing to maintain a valid CDL will result in a failure to meet job requirements.

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. Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting eligibility 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 in Sacramento, at their own expense. The EPA headquarters building offices in downtown Sacramento are well-lit, enclosed, non-windowed office cubicles in a smoke-free environment.

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 25-205 & Position # 835-838-0762-005 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:

• Experience developing and writing guidance documents or technical reports.
• Experience working with jurisdictions, local/state agencies and internal/external program participants.
• Experience with public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Experience in acting as a project lead or team lead.
• Experience evaluating and analyzing compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience generating reports, analyzing data and compiling information.
• Computer experience using a database to document and/or sort information and to prepare reports; and demonstrated proficiency with various computer programs, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other s

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

Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. Applications received without this information may not be considered for this position. SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, and no smaller than 12-point font. The SOQ should address each of the Desirable Qualifications listed above.

Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualifications field below.