Environmental Scientist

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Do you have a passion for protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources? The Central Coast Water Board is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated Environmental Scientist to join our team in San Luis Obispo, California. In this position, you will play a critical role as our region's scientific expert on surface water quality issues with a focus on developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and accompanying implementation plans to address the complex impacts of pesticides, nutrients, Harmful agal blooms (HABs), and other pollutants to water quality and human health.

Duties:

The Environmental Scientist will focus on developing TMDL projects using new or emerging science for pesticides and associated toxicity, nutrients, biological indicators (e.g., bacteria indicators, harmful algal bloom species and associated algal toxins, benthic invertebrate species, bioaccumulation in sport fish and prey fish, etc.), and molecular detection of biological indicators. This position will also study the toxicity of pollutants, including emerging contaminants, to assess their impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. The Environmental Scientist will also be tasked with reviewing peer-reviewed research and designing novel approaches to develop numeric thresholds for pesticides, nutrients, and other toxic pollutants for TMDLs, permits, or other regulatory mechanisms that protect water quality. Applicants with particular interest in pesticides and pesticide-related toxicity are strongly encouraged to apply.

At the Central Coast Water Board, we're committed to protecting and improving the water quality in our region. In this position, you'll have the opportunity to use your scientific expertise to ensure that our waterways remain safe and healthy for generations to come. We're looking for someone who is passionate about advancing science through water quality protection and policy and eager to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex environmental challenges. Your work will be critical in helping us achieve our mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources in our region.

If you're ready to join a dynamic and dedicated team of environmental and scientific professionals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity The position is located at 895 Aerovista Place, suite 101, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver's license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Salary information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-471750

Position #(s):
880-130-0762-006

Working Title:
Environmental Scientist

Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board

Department Information
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 24-130-077 in the "Examination or Job Title(s)" section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
  

Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1709

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 4/22/2025
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Water Resources Control Board

Attn: Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 - Please see below for specific requirements.
• Other - Cover Letter is optional and may be included.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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 performing complex data analysis and developing scientific briefs, technical reports, and/or guidance documents.
• Experience and demonstrated success communicating complex technical and scientific concepts and data analyses to a variety of audiences in written documents or by oral presentation.
• Experience performing pollutant source analysis, risk- analysis, and/or other advanced statistical analysis to provide support for environmental planning and regulatory documents.
• Knowledge of and experience with developing and/or implementing environmental regulations and policies.
• Experience and knowledge regarding pesticide use, potential environmental impacts, and regulations in California and/or the United States.
• Experience using ArcGIS, R-statistical computing package, PowerBI, or comparable database software and pollutant fate and transport models to evaluate data and create data visualizations for technical reports and presentations.
• Knowledge or experience interpreting environmental regulations (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act (CWA), CWC, etc.).

Benefits
Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

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

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Nina Lopez-Arendovich
(916) 341-6974
nina.lopez-arendovich@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Daniel Ellis
(805) 549-3889
daniel.ellis@waterboards.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than three (3) pages in length, using 12pt arial font , and normal margins.

Please provide the number of years of experience, education, and specific examples demonstrating your knowledge and/or experience for each of the following in your SOQ:
Experience performing complex data analysis and developing scientific briefs, technical reports, and/or guidance documents. Experience and demonstrated success communicating complex technical and scientific concepts and data analyses to a variety of audiences in written documents or by oral presentation. Experience performing pollutant source analysis, risk- analysis, and/or other advanced statistical analysis to provide support for environmental planning and regulatory documents. Knowledge of and experience with developing and/or implementing environmental regulations and policies. Experience and knowledge regarding pesticide use, potential environmental impacts, and regulations in California and/or the United States. Experience using ArcGIS, R-statistical computing package, PowerBI, or comparable database software and pollutant fate and transport models to evaluate data and create data visualizations for technical reports and presentations. Knowledge or experience interpreting environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, CWA, CWC, etc.)Applications received without each of the SOQ's addressed as stated will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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