Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) (EPM I) of the Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement Branch, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) will oversee a unit within Section One. The unit is responsible for compliance and enforcement related to the Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939), State Agency and Waste Management Act (AB 75), Mandatory Commercial Recycling law (AB 341), Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling law (AB 1826), Short-lived Climate Pollutants law (SB 1383), and solid waste laws and regulations in the Public Resources Code (PRC) and California Code of Regulations (CCR). The incumbent will provide first line supervision for Environmental Scientist (ES) staff, applying principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, knowledge of statistical methods or analysis, integrated waste management and industry economics, public health, resource management, assessment, review and analysis of technical documents, review and analysis of operations and monitoring records, inspection of businesses, public agencies, solid waste facilities, and public spaces, and enforcement of AB 939, AB 75, AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. The incumbent will oversee staff’s determination on the significance of violations and their general effect on public health, safety and the environment for the programs; provide oversight, training and mentoring of staff in the determination of compliance with state minimum standards while also providing technical expertise, training and assistance to staff on evaluation and enforcement matters; review findings and reports for technical adequacy; and ensure that enforcement information in the Department’s databases has been accurately input by staff. Additionally, the incumbent will play a key role in the development and implementation of new enforcement programs related to waste diversion laws. The incumbent accomplishes this by: preparing and reviewing environmental documents to determine the effects of proposed activities on the environment; developing regulations and enforcing environmental and state minimum standards; developing recommendations regarding environmental programs; preparing and editing scientific data to develop environmental policies; reviewing business/facility environmental practices; and consulting with and advising other agencies and institutions engaged in related regulation and investigations.

For more information, please see attached the duty statement.

Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office-centered, requiring employees 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. This position may involve travel throughout California on average 25 percent per month to fulfill field duties and training, which could include consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The overnight travel could be over long distances, by car or plane. Work may start outside normal working hours as needed, with advance notice.

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. 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 26-012 & Position # 835-807-0764-001 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:

• Experience being a project lead, head, coordinator, and/or supervisor. 
• Knowledge and/or experience (professionally or educationally) with waste management, prevention, recycling practices, waste diversion program issues facing cities, counties, and/or State agencies and facilities, and issues facing regulated businesses.
• Experience working on and/or developing teams to make program improvements, develop procedures/protocols, and/or complete work assignments.
• Experience performing research, analysis, reviews, and/or interviews to determine compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, standards, etc.
• Experience evaluating and analyzing complex situations, developing options, making recommendations, and/or writing appropriate guidance and/or policy documents.
• Experience drafting and editing reports, letters, memos, and/or procedures.
• Possession of excellent writing skills; good mathematical skills; excellent public speaking skills; strong research and investigation skills; ability to retrieve information from the Internet; project management skills and experience.
• Experience with public speaking, training, and/or working with the public.
• Strong proficiency of Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Teams) maintaining databases and tracking programs; ability to follow procedures and troubleshoot or problem solve difficult issues. Computer experience using a database to document and/or sort information and to prepare reports.
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in a team; efficiently manage multiple tasks to meet tight deadlines and changing priorities; and has the ability to work in an oversight role over the regulated community.
• Experience working with local government, and/or the waste management, and/or other stakeholders to achieve the Department’s goals and objectives.
• Experience working as a leader, assisting, or directly supervising projects and employees, including training employees; providing motivation, development, and input on performance; provides encouragement and support of employee suggestions for work improvement; assigning tasks within the work assignment.
• Experience reviewing work (deadlines and quality); providing input on performance; and the preparation of recommendations related to plans, procedures, and policies within the work unit.

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.

1. Please provide examples of your experience supervising or leading a team in conducting investigations or inspections. Provide dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

2. Please provide examples of your experience writing investigatory reports specific to issuing violations, taking enforcement actions, or serving as an expert witness in a hearing. Provide dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

3. Please provide examples of when you developed policies and procedures. Provide dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

4. Please provide examples of when you interpreted law and rule, providing recommendations to executive management and outcome. Provide dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

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 - Please see Statement of Qualifications field for instructions. 
• Other - Plesae see Other field for CDL instructions.