Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team that protects the environment? The Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Environmental Scientist (ES) for the OSPR Environmental Response Branch Southern California field team. Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist is responsible for the review and analysis of data related to environmental and natural resource issues for oil spills. The incumbent is tasked with the following: performs environmental assessments and surveys; assists in investigations; serves as a technical expert in the identification of resources at risk, site protection priorities, and the evaluation of oil spill trajectories; functions as a member of OSPR's Field Response Team (FRT); conducts shoreline assessment; performs injury determinations, collects soil, water, tissue and petroleum samples; assists with wildlife operations during spill response activities; assists in the coordination and development of site remediation plans, the determination of site cleanup endpoints, and draft final biological injury reports; works closely with other OSPR staff, federal, state and local governmental agencies, and nongovernmental organizations; participates in Area Contingency Planning Committees and/or Geographic Response Planning Committees; participates in comprehensive government and industry sponsored table top and field deployment drills and exercises; assists in the coordination and development of mitigation and restoration options; provides innovative alternatives to impacted or lost resources; and may oversee restoration projects and provide technical support and guidance for trustee councils.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Class Title: Environmental Scientist

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

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This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position may be required to participate in spill prevention and response training, drills, and incidents throughout California, and must be available to deploy or travel with short notice for extended periods of time, up to seven (7) days or more, via private or public transportation. Incumbents in designated response roles are expected to keep their state-issued cellphone on and accessible and to respond to response-related communications as practicable. Public engagement events or field work may require irregular hours, the wearing of a DFW-issued uniform, and operation of state vehicles with a valid California driver's license.

Special Requirements

This position is located in the department's Seal Beach office. Office work involves sitting and the use of a computer and standard office equipment. Field work requires the incumbent to work outdoors in all types of inclement weather conditions, in all types of habitats, and may require working beyond a traditional 8-hour work day. Field work may require the incumbent to hike and traverse on different types of terrain carrying field and sampling equipment that may exceed 25 lbs. for extended distances. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and be prepared to travel using a State vehicle, drive long distances for extended periods of time. May be required to work on different types of watercraft. May be required to participate in aerial surveys in aircrafts.

This position requires the incumbent to be on an on-call rotation during non-work hours.

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:

n 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:

- Analytical and objective observation skills

- Critical thinker and problem solving abilities

- Tactful, resourceful, self-motivated

- Demonstrated ability to act independently

- All information provided in this application packet is subject to verification.

Benefits

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

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, skill, and training meet the minimum desirable qualifications to qualify you for this position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, and to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience in relation to this position.

Applications submitted without a SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. SOQs will be evaluated based on the content and writing ability. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ will not be considered. Failure to specifically address, in order, the questions required in the SOQ will result in removal from the application process. Please DO NOT submit a generic SOQ.

Your SOQ must be typed, in Arial 12pt. font, no more than two pages in length, and address the following topics:

1. Describe in detail your training and experience related to environmental and biological field assessment.

2. Describe your experience working with stakeholders, industry, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations and the specific tasks or goals accomplished; and describe any positive or negative outcomes with your experience(s).

3. Describe your experience writing technical documents, procedures, action plans, or emergency response plans.

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 . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.