Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Inspector

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 Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist to analyze performance with vegetation management commitments in electrical 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, Electric Safety Policy, and Data Analytics Divisions.

Under general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor of the Inspections & Investigations Branch the incumbent will lead inspections of vegetation near electrical infrastructure, write and review inspection reports, lead development of inspection plans to assess electrical corporation performance with approved Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, and the environment. Incumbent will also lead investigations into concerns raised by external parties and other potential WMP deficiencies, conduct critical and/or sensitive scientific investigations and studies and prepare guidance, policy, planning, or regulatory documents and legislative proposals on issues of importance to the department. Incumbent will identify issues found in the field and elevate to the Supervisor with proposed recommendations. The incumbent will provide guidance to and assist the branch Environmental Scientists with document reviews and deliverables prior to submittal to management. The incumbent will develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external agency partners. The incumbent will be the subject matter expert on vegetation management programs to assess electrical utility performance with approved WMPs and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, climate change and the environment.

The reporting location for this position is located at 3950 Paramount Boulevard, Suite 210, Lakewood, CA 90712.

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 Lakewood, 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 .

• Travel  will be performed, up to 35% of the time. 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.

1. Describe your experience with wildfire, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.

2. Describe an experience where you had to communicate complex scientific findings to a members of the public, external stakeholders, and/or agency representatives.

3. Describe your experience leading inspections to State environmental regulations and/or industry standards, documenting findings, and communicating findings.

4. Describe your experience leading diverse teams of scientists working on complex environmental issues including project management and assisting junior staff.

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 wildfire, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.
• Experience performing inspections, documenting and communicating findings.
• Experience as a technical scientist working with members of the public, external stakeholders, and agency representatives
• Ability to effectively communicate and present complex scientific findings to non-scientific audiences  through written reports and presentations.
• Ability to coordinate with individuals from different professional backgrounds.
• Experience with regulatory processes and compliance and enforcement of regulations.
• Experience working under tight timelines.

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 #681-310-0765-003 and the Job Control # JC-532040 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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Requirements section.