ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Department-of-Resources-Recycling-; California; Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework

Job summary

State of California, CalRecycle, invites applications for an Environmental Scientist position in the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Evaluation Unit. The role focuses on implementing LEA/TEA programs, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with solid waste and tire regulations.

The position requires data gathering from multiple sources, report writing, and communication with local governments and CalRecycle management.

Qualifications

• Experience applying environmental science principles to solid waste/waste tire programs.
• Ability to review, analyze and assess compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience communicating findings to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Implement LEA/TEA evaluation programs and related performance outcomes.
• Gather and analyze data from multiple sources to support program certification.
• Prepare inspection reports, notices and supporting documents.

Skills

Environmental Scientist

Public health awareness

Data analysis

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

JC-537575 -

JC-537575 - Environmental Scientist ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,551.00 - $9,787.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/12/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Under close or general direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) in the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Evaluation Unit, the Environmental Scientist (ES) will implement the LEA certification program, the LEA, and Tire Enforcement Agency (TEA) evaluation programs, and matters associated with LEA/TEA performance evaluation outcomes related to solid waste/waste tire program implementation. The incumbent will apply basic principles of chemistry, biology, physical and environmental sciences, environmental characteristics of waste materials and solid waste systems related to public health and environmental protection standards. The ES will be required to gather complex data from multiple sources, review, analyze and assess compliance in the areas of solid waste facility permitting, inspection, closure and maintenance of LEA/TEA program requirements and records. The ES will communicate with all levels of local government and CalRecycle management, regarding LEA/TEA evaluation findings, action items and program recommendations necessary to certify an LEA or to bring LEA/TEA programs in line with statutes and regulations. The incumbent will participate in forums, workgroups, and special projects within CalRecycle as related to the LEA Evaluation Unit, Tire Enforcement Section, Financial Resources Section and CalRecycle’s overall priorities. The incumbent may be required to travel as part of this position, with duration and time variant upon meeting and facility locations.

As of July 1st, 2026, the position is office-centered, and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

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

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting eligibility set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location in Sacramento, at their own expense. The EPA headquarters building offices in downtown Sacramento are well-lit, enclosed, non-windowed office cubicles in a smoke-free environment.

The 40-hour work week schedule is typically dayshift, Monday through Friday. Office and field work includes, on a regular basis, writing and reviewing inspection reports and notices, contact with the regulated community by way of in-person, phone and video conferencing, preparation and review of other documents and internet research. Overnight travel may be required locally and within the state. The job occasionally requires you to perform field inspections, hear vehicles and alarms or other audible signals of possible risk.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,551.00 - $6,337.00A $5,531.00 - $7,718.00B $7,000.00 - $9,787.00C New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of an alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle 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 protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate HRC0005698andPosition #835-838-0762-003 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License.

Must have and maintain a REAL ID (compliant license or acceptable alternative form of identification) to be able to pass through TSA security checkpoints for required domestic flying.

Must be able to occasionally travel (via airplane or car etc) to conduct State business.

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 developing and writing guidance documents or technical reports.
• Experience working with jurisdictions, local/state agencies and internal/external program participants.
• Experience with public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Experience in acting as a project lead or team lead.
• Experience evaluating and analyzing compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience generating reports, analyzing data and compiling information.
• Computer experience using a database to document and/or sort information and to prepare reports; and demonstrated proficiency with various computer programs, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other software.

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR

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: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
Thalia Lawson
[phone]
[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:
Alexis Robison
[phone]
[e-mail]

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:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

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.