ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

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

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work in a high-profile position to help California communities address water quality issues? Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment with opportunities to innovate and lead positive change? If so, then this is the position for you! Apply today and join our dedicated and driven team.

The State Water Resource Control Board's Division of Financial Assistance has an opening for an Environmental Scientist in the Loans and Grants Branch, Environmental Section, Drinking Water Environmental Review Unit.

Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist, the incumbent is expected to: Prepare, review and process environmental documents (i.e., Notice of Exemptions, Initial Studies, Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and associated mitigation monitoring measures) for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) projects and other funding projects, when the State Water Board is lead or responsible agency under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Conduct site visits/inspections throughout the State to evaluate projects' significant environmental impacts, confirm compliance with environmental conditions and attend public hearings as necessary. Coordinate, research, and analyze environmental data used in the preparation of biological reports and environmental documents. Ensure funding projects meet the CEQA, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal cross-cutting requirements. Coordinate with federal, state, and local governmental agencies to determine the need for additional studies and/or mitigation measures to ensure compliance with CEQA and/or associated federal environmental laws and initiate consultation if necessary. Work with environmental consultants and applicants to coordinate the preparation and review of CEQA notices, Initial Studies and Negative and Mitigated Negative Declarations, as appropriate, when the State Water Board is the lead agency; and file Notices of Exemption, Notices of Completion, and Notices of Determination with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse. Attend project meetings and provide environmental information and guidance to State Water Board staff and project applicants. Prepare Board Items, make presentation or briefing to the State Water Board members. Review and comment on draft environmental documents prepared for SRF projects, and water supply permits to ensure compliance with the CEQA, NEPA and other federal cross-cutting laws. Work cooperatively with stakeholders (general public, federal, state and local government agencies, tribes and other interested parties), and participate in stakeholder meetings. Develop environmental review clearances; perform field reviews and compliance inspections; and prepare project files and updated databases.

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.

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-392337

Position #(s):
880-550-0762-061

Working Title:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,145.00 - $5,132.00 A
$5,037.00 - $6,250.00 B
$6,375.00 - $7,926.00 C

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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# 23-550-032 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: Environmental Scientist Examination (ca.gov)

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 on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, 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: 9/26/2023
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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: Human Resources Branch - Danielle Pearson
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
Human Resources Branch - Danielle Pearson
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 SOQ requirements.
• Other - Cover letter is required and must 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:

(1) Customer service experience.

(2) Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to make effective presentations.

(3) Research and analyze environmental information to prepare environmental documents, e.g., CEQA and biological reports.

(4) Ability to evaluate state and federal environmental laws and regulations and coordinate with various state and federal agencies (i.e., Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, federal Endangered Species Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, etc.).

(5) Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively and productively in a team atmosphere with colleagues having different disciplinary backgrounds.

(6) Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines.

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

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. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx

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:
Danielle Pearson
(916) 323-0924
Danielle.Pearson@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Bridget Binning
(916) 449-5641
bridget.binning@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 two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12 pt. font, and normal margins.

1. Describe your experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.

2. Describe your interest and/or past experience with the California Environmental Quality Act.

3. Provide examples of how you have worked collaboratively with others and when you have had to compromise with colleagues or stakeholders.

4. Describe your customer service experience and a time you dealt with a difficult customer.

Applications received without the SOQ 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.