Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) for the Training and Assistance Section, the incumbent will apply principles of scientific research, chemical, biological, physical and environmental sciences, environmental characteristics of waste materials and solid waste facilities and systems, and independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct critical and/or sensitive scientific investigations and studies and may prepare guidance, policy, planning or regulatory documents and legislative proposals related to: acting as a resource and providing assistance for Administrative Procedures Act, Office of Administrative Law regulations, Executive Orders; Cal/EPA and CalRecycle legislation review; rulemaking policy procedures; obtaining CalRecycle approval on regulatory packages; acting as a conduit to management for direction/vision; organizing public workshops and workgroup meetings. The incumbent acts at a technical resource for the Permitting and Assistance Branch on developing and providing internal and external training, guidance, policy, business practices, and advice on solid waste permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), inspections, enforcement, and other regulatory areas. External training and guidance focusing on local enforcement agencies and operators as well as other regulatory agencies and the public. Act as a representative of the Branch on stakeholder committees and work groups. Acts as the lead staff responsible for researching, developing, and providing updated information and guidance for the Permitting & Assistance Branch portions of the Department’s webpages and other informational documents. Requires detailed knowledge and understanding of existing law and permitting and assistance roles and responsibilities; requires on-going technical and scientific review and analysis of current policy and guidelines; ability to analyze data and develop and maintain updated guidance on current and proposed policy and regulatory changes. Refer to the Duty Statement for a full summary of job description and duties.

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

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 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 25-322 & Position # 835-832-0765-004 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 as a staff lead on a project or assignment
• Experience handling multiple complex and sensitive tasks
• Knowledge and experience of solid waste permitting, waste management, solid waste operating standards, statutes, and regulations
• Experience developing and presenting tools, guidance, or training
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and public speaking
• Knowledge and experience with policy and legislative analysis
• Ability to effectively and efficiently identify, research, and resolve complex issues

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. Provide share your experience acting as a staff lead on a project or assignment that necessitated collaboration with multiple entities, such as state and local agencies, organizations, and public communities, to achieve a successful outcome. Please include relevant dates as well as your job title when you performed these duties.

2. Please share your experience developing and implementing tools, guidance, or training to stakeholders. Please include relevant dates as well as your job title when you performed these duties.

3. Please provide relevant experience with the development and/or implementation of solid waste laws and regulations. Please include relevant dates as well as 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 required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualifications instructions below.
• Other - Please provide copy of your valid California drivers licence. Please see details in Other field below.