Branch Chief

Job Description and Duties

DTSC’s Site Mitigation and Restoration Program is looking for highly qualified and motivated staff to lead our Schools Evaluation and Brownfields Outreach Branch. This position will lead a high-functioning team making schools safe for students and accelerating redevelopment of contaminated land.

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

• Manage and supervise administrative staff and subordinate supervisory engineers, geologists, and scientists responsible for the evaluation and cleanup of hazardous substance contaminated properties
• Ensure that SMRP decisions are technically sound, innovative, consistent with DTSC goals and procedures, and protective of public health and the environment
• Provide staff with the support, expertise, resources, and training to make appropriate project decisions in an effective and efficient matter
• Identify and procure adequate levels of resources necessary to meet staff recruitment efforts, staff development, and performance measures as outlined in the DTSC Strategic Plan
• Advise and consult with the Division Chiefs, Deputy Director, and Director with respect to policy issues associated with SMRP and responds to requests from Cal/EPA, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, environmental and related stakeholder groups, and public regarding cleanup issues

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 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.

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

The SOQ documents each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely while providing a narrative summary of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills qualify them for the position as described in the duty statement. The SOQ should be typed single-spaced in Arial 12-point font and not exceed 1 page in length.

Please describe your experience leading teams, managing environmental cleanups, and overseeing hazardous substances releases.

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 managing a diverse group of environmental professionals
• Knowledge and experience regarding assessment, mitigation, and restoration of properties contaminated with hazardous substances
• Experience managing contracts and budgets
• Experience interacting with stakeholders and the public regarding site cleanup issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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# 532716 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.

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 Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635) | Commission

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.