ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD; California; Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Water Resources Control Board's Bay-Delta Sacramento Unit is seeking an Environmental Scientist (Aquatic/Fisheries Scientist) to perform analyses, research, and modeling of Bay-Delta systems. The role supports regulatory and planning activities related to water rights, flows, and aquatic habitat in the San Francisco Bay and Delta region.

This full-time, permanent position offers hybrid telework with in-person attendance as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, hydrology and/or water quality.
• Experience analyzing large data sets and conducting statistical analyses using R, Python or other tools.
• Knowledge related to effects of flow on aquatic species and water quality in the Bay-Delta region.
• Experience communicating scientific information in writing and orally.
• Knowledge of CA water rights and related policies and regulations.
• Knowledge of CA water supply infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex aquatic/fisheries analyses, research and modeling for Bay-Delta.
• Prepare scientific analyses and documentation for regulatory assignments.
• Assist with high-priority technical and regulatory tasks for the Division of Water Rights.
• Review hydrologic modeling to understand water management impacts on habitat and water quality.
• Handle inquiries from the public concerning water rights.

Skills

Fisheries biology

Aquatic ecology

Hydrology

Water quality

Statistical analysis

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Aquatic/Fisheries 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: 11/24/2026

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights has an opening for an Environmental Scientist (Aquatic/Fisheries Scientist) in the Bay-Delta Section within the Bay Delta & Hearings Programs Branch. This position is located at 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Responsibilities

Under the close supervision of the State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board) Bay-Delta Sacramento Unit Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), and consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State and Regional Board’s Strategic Plan, the incumbent will perform complex and varied aquatic/fisheries analyses, research, and modeling assignments related to the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Bay-Delta).

The incumbent will prepare scientific analyses and documentation to assist with the high priority complex technical and regulatory assignments for the Division of Water Rights and State Water Board.

This position is specifically focused on State Water Board regulatory and planning activities in the Bay-Delta.

In addition, the incumbent may review hydrologic modeling of Central Valley rivers and estuaries to investigate how water management actions may affect flows, river and reservoir temperatures, fisheries and other aquatic habitat, water quality, and water rights. Duties also include the handling of routine telephone and written inquiries from the public concerning water rights.

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.

Working Conditions

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

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

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.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements in Class Specification. The classification for this position is 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 alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: State Water Resources Control Board

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 value 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.

Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

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 .

Desirable Qualifications

• (1) Knowledge and experience in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, hydrology, and/or water quality;
• (2) Experience analyzing large data sets and conducting statistical analyses using R, Python, or other scripting tools;
• (3) Knowledge and/or experience related to the effects of flow on freshwater and estuarine aquatic species and/or water quality, especially related to the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary (Bay-Delta) watershed;
• (4) Experience communicating scientific information, including synthesizing, writing, and presenting orally;
• (5) Knowledge of California water rights and federal / state policies and regulations, such as California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, federal Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, state and federal endangered species acts, and California Fish and Game code;
• (6) Knowledge of California water supply infrastructure.

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/

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.

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-point font, and normal margins.

The SOQ should address the 6 items listed in the Desirable Qualifications section, including the length of experience for each item.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

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 workplace. 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.