Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

The Engineering Support Branch’s Closed, Illegal and Abandoned Sites Section is responsible for providing technical and regulatory assistance to Local Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and other CalRecycle programs on the inspection, investigation, enforcement, and remediation of legacy closed, illegal, and abandoned (CIA) solid waste disposal sites throughout the State. 

Pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations (14 CCR) Sections 18083 and 18303, LEAs are required to investigate and inspect closed legacy, illegal, and abandoned solid waste disposal sites. Additionally, Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 45013 requires CalRecycle to make guidance and assistance available to LEAs regarding the inspection, investigation, enforcement, and remediation of CIA sites to ensure that public health and safety and the environment are protected. 

Under general supervision of the Senior Waste Management Engineer, the incumbent is responsible for understanding, providing guidance on, and implementing state statutes and regulations regarding CIA sites. Using knowledge of the state statutes and regulations, the incumbent may review or conduct historical research; review corrective action plans and/or post-closure activity plans; review landfill gas monitoring, control and maintenance plans; review post-closure activity plans; review and provide guidance on enforcement; develop guidance for LEAs on implementing their Enforcement Program Plans specific to CIA sites; and provide training. Reviews may include preparation of comment letters, meetings, emails, or phone calls to convey those comments. Incumbent may also travel to attend meetings or visit solid waste sites throughout California as part of an investigation or enforcement activity; prepare letters, reports, guidance documents and agenda items; communicate with federal, state and local government agencies, the regulated industry, and the public; attend meetings, public hearings, technical workshops, and court proceedings as necessary. Specific functions are included below. 

The position will require the incumbent to travel up to 15% of the time. And the incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.