Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Job Description and Duties

Do you have a passion to perform a variety of scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies for Product Stewardship Compliance Branch? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to join our talented team that is passionate to work in the Product Stewardship Compliance programs!

Position Description:

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager II (Supervisory) (EPM II) in the Product Stewardship Compliance Branch, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will act as a lead technical expert on the product stewardship compliance programs. The incumbent performs difficult, complex, sensitive scientific and technical duties related to CalRecycle’s product stewardship compliance, including environmental and materials management research, analyses, investigations, and enforcement. The incumbent utilizes principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, and statistical analysis, along with expertise in integrated waste management, industry economics, public health, and resource management. Responsibilities include assessing and enforcing regulations, reviewing and analyzing technical documents, evaluating operations and monitoring records, and conducting inspections and compliance assessments. The incumbent is responsible for determining the significance of violations and their general effect on public health, safety, environmental justice, and the environment for the program. Key duties include providing training and mentoring of staff in the determination of compliance with state minimum standards, offering technical expertise on evaluation and enforcement matters; reviewing findings and reports for technical adequacy; and ensuring that enforcement information in the Department’s databases has been accurately input by staff. Additional duties include process development, monitoring, and evaluation to support various functions of the branch. The incumbent will independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct investigations and studies that yield information and recommendations to improve the department’s oversight of product stewardship compliance programs. Additionally, the incumbent will play a key role in the development and implementation of new enforcement programs related to products with extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship requirements.

This position involves traveling throughout California involving multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria 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, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.  Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

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 in spections, 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 25-265 & Position # 835-813-0765-001 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

• Please attach a copy of your 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:

• Leads complex process development and optimization activities, applying Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Experience in the development and implementation of regulations. 
• Experience playing a role in taking on new programmatic initiatives. 
• Experience with using Microsoft Office Suite and other office productivity software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Access, Adobe Acrobat, and web conferencing software.
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Evaluates and optimizes processes from a systems perspective, integrating continuous improvement principles to improve coordination, reduce redundancies, and support department-wide operational excellence.
• Experience in problem solving and analytical abilities, evaluating options, and implementing effective solutions, particularly in policy or procedural contexts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate complex information and guide teams and stakeholders through organizational or procedural changes.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with stakeholders, multiple agencies or within multidisciplinary teams.

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

A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.

Instructions:

• No more than one page in length

• Normal 1 inch margins

• Single line spaced

• Times New Roman font, 12 point

• Indicate your name on the top of the page

Directions:

Please describe your experience and achievements in leadership, process development, and policy development, including any use of process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement tools) to enhance operations. Explain how these experiences have prepared you to excel in this position. In your description, please include the dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

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. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualificaions section below.