ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 49,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

On-site in Santa Rosa, CA

Job summary

The State Water Resources Control Board in Sonoma County seeks an Environmental Scientist to protect watersheds, analyze projects, and enforce regulatory requirements to safeguard water quality. The position is based in Santa Rosa with available free parking and a flexible schedule, including negotiable partial telework.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements and reside in California upon appointment; telework may be allowed based on operational needs.

Job description

Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

State Water Resources Control Board

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 9/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

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

Are you interested in joining our team and protecting important watersheds, beneficial uses of water and critical wetland, stream and river habitats in Northern California? Do you have an interest in applying your education and experience as an Environmental Scientist in identifying waters of the state, analyzing projects and maintaining regulatory requirements through permitting and enforcement to protect water quality? If so, then this job may be for you. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Southern Nonpoint Source and 401 Certification Unit in the Nonpoint Source & Surface Water Protection Division has an opening for an Environmental Scientist. The position is based in Sonoma County at 5550 Skylane Blvd. Ste A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 with available free parking and within 1.5 miles of the local Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART) train station. A flexible schedule and partial teleworking are negotiable for this position.

Duties: The applicants can 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.

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529129

Position #(s): 880-110-0762-067

Working Title: Environmental Scientist

Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

• $4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
• $5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
• $6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C

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: Sonoma County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

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.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

To be