Senior Environmental Scientist JC-509919

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 509919 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 3/13/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person 

Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career in environmental protection? Do you enjoy solving complex problems, shaping policy, and working at the intersection of science, law, and technology? The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Quality has an opening for a Senior Environmental Scientist (supervisory) in the Watersheds and Wetlands Section, Wetland Planning and Permitting Unit.  This position offers the opportunity to lead high-profile permitting and policy initiatives that protect wetlands and aquatic resources while supporting responsible project implementation. The incumbent will oversee development of complex permits and program guidance, collaborate with attorneys to respond to evolving state and federal regulatory requirements, and lead staff in developing policy solutions. In addition, the role serves as the primary bridge between program and IT staff in development of new data systems, translating program needs into system requirements, and partners with training academies to design and deliver program training that ensures consistent statewide implementation. Apply today to help drive innovation, compliance, and environmental stewardship.

The position is located at 1001 I Street, 18th Floor, Sacramento, 95814, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties: Please review the Duty Statement attached.

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.

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.

Working Conditions:

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.  Proof of residency may be required.

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. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

Job type: Full-Time

$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.