Environmental Scientist

CalRecycle; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

CalRecycle in Sacramento seeks an Environmental Scientist to join the Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach. The role applies scientific and field‑based analysis to evaluate program impacts on tribes and disadvantaged communities and to integrate environmental justice into statewide policies and initiatives.

The position requires collaboration across teams, periodic statewide travel, and a shift toward telework with four days in the office weekly, starting

Qualifications

• Duties require analyzing environmental data and applying environmental justice concepts.
• Engagement with tribes and disadvantaged communities to inform statewide policy.
• Strong collaboration with internal teams to strengthen program outreach.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen department efforts to support tribes, disadvantaged communities, and youth.
• Conduct analyses using available data and on-site visits to assess community needs.
• Develop training and guidance to adopt environmental justice practices department-wide.

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.

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.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-532169

Position #(s): 835-207-0762-002

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 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.

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

Job Description And Duties

CalRecycle is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach, where the incumbent will help strengthen the department’s efforts to support California Native American tribes, disadvantaged communities, low‑income populations, farmworkers, and youth. Under the direction of an Environmental Program Manager, the scientist applies scientific, analytical, and field‑based expertise to evaluate how CalRecycle programs impact these communities and integrates environmental justice and tribal priorities into statewide policies and initiatives. This position plays a key role in identifying opportunities to expand program participation, reduce environmental burdens, and enhance community benefits across CalRecycle programs. The Environmental Scientist conducts technical analyses using available data, including community science data, and performs on‑site field visits to observe conditions firsthand and deepen understanding of local needs. The role collaborates closely with internal teams to strengthen grant programs, inform equitable access strategies, and support the design of outreach approaches to better integrate community and tribal priorities. The incumbent reviews CalRecycle programs, policies, and regulations to ensure consistency in the integration of environmental justice considerations and develops staff training and guidance to support departmentwide adoption of these practices. Community‑centered engagement is a core part of the position. The Environmental Scientist plans and conducts outreach to tribes and community organizations, builds relationships with local partners, and helps inform youth‑focused environmental education and professional development initiatives. The role also includes participation in meetings, trainings, and conferences to maintain scientific expertise and support continuous program improvement. The position requires periodic statewide travel, regular use of a computer in an office setting. 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.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Final Filing Date: 10/25/2026