Environmental Scientist

CalRecycle; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

CalRecycle in Sacramento County is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our Textiles Unit. This permanent, full-time position focuses on enforcing the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, performing field inspections, and analyzing data to support compliance and enforcement decisions.

You will prepare concise reports and contribute to program evaluation. The incumbent may travel across California, hold a valid California driver’s license, and report to the office several days a week

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated entities to determine compliance with producer responsibility and product stewardship requirements.
• Analyze data, prepare inspection reports, and support enforcement actions under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024.

Job description

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.

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.

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-531084

Position #(s):

835-824-0762-001

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:

Sacramento County

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 t hrough 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.

Department Website

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

Do you have a passion to perform a variety of scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies for CalRecycle’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Scientist to join our talented team that is passionate to work in Textiles Unit!

Position Description

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist (incumbent) at Range A (an entry level employee) works under direct supervision performing the least complex scientific work; at Range B (an intermediate level employee) works under general supervision performing moderately complex work; or at Range C (a journey person level employee) works independently performing the most complex work. The Environmental Scientist (ES) will have a variety of responsibilities from scientific, analytical, and administrative duties to implement and enforce the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 within the Textiles Unit. The incumbent applies the principles of scientific research and analytical skills to perform complex technical tasks and uses statistical knowledge to gather, assess, and review data in order to ensure their compliance with CalRecycle's producer responsibility and product stewardship requirements and regulations. The incumbent is responsible for the determination of violations and their general effects on public health, safety, and the environment for the programs, reviewing findings and preparing the reports for technical adequacy on enforcement matters, and doing other related work to perform the duties listed below. Additionally, the ES will play an important role in developing and implementing new enforcement programs related to products with EPR and product stewardship requirements. The Program is responsible for compliance and enforcement related to producer responsibility, product stewardship and seeks to enforce EPR laws governing the regulated communities including, but not limited to: Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO), producers/manufacturers of covered products, licensees of trademarks or brands, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and other regulated parties. The incumbent will determine if regulated communities are in compliance by performing field inspections and investigations. On a daily basis, conduct research of businesses, products, and industries to plan inspections and conduct investigations; develop sound conclusions and recommendations for the issuance of timely, concise and complete inspection reports; and compile defensible facts for legal documents. Serve as an EPR compliance program liaison and educate stakeholders verbally and in writing; accurately explain the law and potential enforcement consequences; prepare correspondence; meet regulatory deadlines; and implement established enforcement processes. Work in coordination with CalRecycle’s other supporting technical staff and the Legal Office; evaluate the significance of violations of non‑compliant entities and program trends; compile, organize data and use mathematical formulas and develop databases and tools to perform statistical analyses to track compliance trends of the regulated community to evaluate overall program success; recommend corrective actions or penalties and fines to effectively achieve the program(s) mandates to protect public health and safety and the environment. Prepare findings to present and conduct technical trainings to supervisors, technical offices, Executive Management and Stakeholders. This position involves traveling throughout California involving multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program. 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 .

Special Requirements

• 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 RPA 26-034 & Position # 835-824-0762-001 in the "Job Title(s)" section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
• Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.