Environmental Scientist

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 with a network of agency partners that are committed to protecting all Californians and the environment. 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 an Environmental Scientist you will have the opportunity to:

• Independently develop and implement project management plans and coordinate with other Project Management Unit (PMU) chiefs, staff and Branch Chief on conducting highly sensitive scientific research
• Develop and implement project plans and coordinate with staff in the Site Mitigation and Restoration Program (SMRP) to develop policies, procedures, and protocols for program enhancements
• Work with the staff and management of the PMU and Technical Support Branch to develop a detailed annual workplan with key performance indicators for success
• Coordinate with Branch Chief, SMRP management and staff to facilitate strategic priorities, program enhancement, program improvements, and operational planning execution and scheduling
• Develop and provide recommendations on SMRP various program improvements
• Provide consultation to SMRP management and staff on strategies, objectives, and goals that improve mission objectives and environmental services

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, adapt to changing assignments and priorities, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• Experience drafting RFPs, RFQs, IFB, and related Minimum Qualifications (MQs)
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MS Teams, Visio, SharePoint, and data visualization tools such as PowerBI, GIS and Tableau
• Experience gathering, identifying, analyzing, reading, and interpreting data from surveys and evaluation
• Experience leading and facilitating large meetings using verbal and written communication skills to present information to all levels of stakeholders, management, administrative and programmatic staff, and solution partners
• Analytical skills with the ability to work independently, think logically and creatively, and apply a range of analytical and research tools

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 should be no more than 2 page(s) in length, 1-inch margins, and Arial font, size 12.

Your SOQ should address the following:

1. Why do you think that you are qualified for this position?

2. Describe your experience working with multidisciplinary teams of technical staff working on complex problems and the steps you took to maintain project reporting, schedules, and budgets while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

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# 525998 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 .

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.
• 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.