Policy Lead

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in a meaningful job and want to work toward building healthy, safe, and economically viable communities? Are you driven by protecting the environment and health of all Californians? Consider a career with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). We are located within the California Environmental Protection Agency network of agency partners that are committed to protecting all Californians and the environment. We are looking for a highly motivated and adaptable individual who is a self-starter, and possess excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal and organization skills, as well as strong leadership skills. We are searching for an individual who is flexible, a team player with the ability to work independently, and provide project oversight. Your passion for organizational performance and data will be challenged every day as you help us improve environmental related outcomes for the people of California. Your daily work with DTSC’s scientists, engineers, geologists, toxicologists, administrative, IT staff, and management will help develop and update existing policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure operational and strategic data are optimized and visualized to drive effective organizational change. If you are willing to be a part of a highly visible and energetic team, with exciting opportunities, we encourage you to apply today!

As a Hazardous Substances Engineer you will have the opportunity to:

• Coordinate and partner with SMRP staff, DTSC’s Office of Environmental Information Management (OEIM) staff, and vendors to analyze business and technical data needs and conduct gap and market analyses to address current and future planning, performance, and environmental data requirements
• Work with and collaborate with SMRP business owners and internal and external Information Technology (IT) experts to rectify data gaps in source systems (e.g., SharePoint, Daily Log, EnviroStor (DTSC's database), Cost Recovery Management System, grantmaking software and other available tools)
• Help Administer and Lead SMRP’s IT project portfolio through coordination with SMRP and PMCICR management, project owners, and OEIM staff to ensure projects are prioritized and status is current
• Represent SMRP during monthly IT project coordination meetings
• Serve as SMRP representative to the DTSC Project Governance Committee (PGC)that determines and recommends IT project priorities to DTSC management
• Coordinate and lead internal monthly IT and other assigned meetings

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Good coordination, and collaboration skills, and willingness to partner with other DTSC staff for the successful completion of the assignment
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, and adapt to changing assignments and priorities, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• Experience leading complex projects and the ability to effectively coordinate and maintain an up-to-date thorough project workplan, including but not limited to project timelines, milestones, and resource allocations
• Analytical skills with the ability to work independently, think logically and creatively, apply a range of analytical and research tools
• Experience leading and facilitating large meetings and using strong verbal and written communication skills to present information to all levels of stakeholders, including management, administrative and programmatic staff, and solution partners, to prepare and present written recommendations, and to report project information accurately and timely
• Experience gathering, identifying, analyzing, reading, and interpreting data from surveys and evaluation
• Excellent computer skills and Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MS Teams, Visio, and SharePoint, and data visualization tools such as PowerBI, GIS and Tableau

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here .

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

A hybrid telework schedule may be available for this position.

Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSC’s culture:

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.

This position has been reposted. If you have previously applied for JC-521824 your application will NOT be considered. Therefore, you must apply to JC-533255 to be considered.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for the hiring manager’s review. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified.

The SOQ should be no longer than 1 page in length, 1-inch margins, must include position number, job control number, name, and Arial font size 12.

Your SOQ should address the following:

1. What interests you to apply for this position and why do you believe you are qualified for the position?

Benefits

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

Additional Application Instructions

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended . If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the “Application Instructions” section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC# 533255 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application.

Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer.

Foreign Degrees

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at and

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.).

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 and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD.678). Please refer to the "Special Requirements” section above for additional information.

• Other - Cover Letter