Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)/Unit Supervisor, the incumbent: acts as primary point of contact between CalRecycle’s Waste Permitting, Compliance and Mitigation Division and stakeholders within the assigned geographical jurisdiction; ensures permit packages are in conformance with CalRecycle requirements; participates in continuing development, planning, coordination and implementation of State Permitting Program, which focuses on ensuring the performance of Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) solid waste programs through oversight, guidance, training, and assistance; communicates CalRecycle policies to interested parties. The ES determines solid waste and waste tire facilities’ compliance status with state standards and permit conditions through office review and field visits/inspection review while also providing technical expertise, training and assistance to the LEAs and other parties on permitting, inspection and enforcement matters; independently reviews, and coordinates other staff’s review of permit related documents and produces memos, comment letters and reports relating to the proposed permit projects; independently reviews, evaluates and comments on environmental documents in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); may prepare and circulate appropriate environmental documents in accordance with CEQA for CalRecycle projects requiring Lead Agency status; makes presentations at public hearings, training venues, and internal and external meetings on a regular basis.

Refer to the Duty Statement for a full summary of job description and duties.

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, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the positions designated headquarter location, as reflected on the duty statement and at their own expense.

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 26-069 & Position # 835-828-0762-004 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

• If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or 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:

• Knowledge and/or experience of solid waste statutes and regulations relevant to challenges faced by Local Enforcement Agencies
• Knowledge and/or experience of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Strong interpersonal communication and analytical skills with the ability to explain complex issues in simple language
• Strong organizational skills to efficiently manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong research, investigation, and project management skills
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in a team

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.

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. 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 required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - See Statement of Qualifications direction below.