Environmental Scientist (JC-448773) 9/30/24

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 448773 to locate the job posting and apply.

Link: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=448773

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers after the job closes on 09/30/2024. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

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

If you are interested in meaningful work to protect California’s surface and groundwaters then apply today and join our team! The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is recruiting for a full-time, permanent, Environmental Scientist in its Forestry-Dredge and Fill Unit (FDF) in the South Lake Tahoe office, located at 2501 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.  The Lahontan Region covers 24% of the State of California, from the Oregon border to the Mojave Desert, and from the crest of the Sierra Nevada east to the Nevada border. The FDF is responsible for implementing the Forestry Activities Program and the Dredge and Fill Program throughout the Lahontan region.

Under the close supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer in the Forestry/Dredge & Fill Unit, the Environmental Scientist will work with technical and administrative staff in both the South Lake Tahoe and Victorville Offices. Consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State and Regional Water Board’s Strategic Plan, the incumbent is expected to be courteous and to provide timely responses to internal and external customers, to follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal and external customer input when completing work assignments.

The incumbent will apply scientific methods and principles necessary for the protection of water quality within the Lahontan Region. Responsibilities will include such activities as drafting permits, providing technical expertise, evaluating and assisting in the drafting of environmental documents, making policy recommendations, and performing sensitive assignments related to water quality issues and protection throughout the Lahontan Region.

Duties:

• Evaluate and regulate the impacts of logging operations and other forest practices on the quality and beneficial uses of water.

• Coordinate with the federal land management agencies (US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in reviewing Timber Harvest Plans (THPs), Working Forest Management Plans (WFMPs), Non-Industrial Timber Management Plans (NTMPs), utility corridor vegetation management plans, and timber harvest exemptions.

• Review and regulate proposed projects that may affect water quality of waters of the state to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan), Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

• Conduct fieldwork related to natural resource management and site assessments and investigations, including use of GIS and water quality sampling, data collection, and determinations of wetlands and sensitive water bodies. Prepare CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and/or Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for project compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Work with a variety of stakeholders and partners to address California wildfires and forest resiliency approaches.

• Write reports and prepare PowerPoint presentations and present to a variety of audiences.

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: https://forms.office.com/g/eR5w18jw3s

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $4,145 - $7,926 / month

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