Environmental Scientist

CalRecycle; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

CalRecycle seeks an Environmental Scientist to join our Sacramento County team in a hybrid, permanent full-time role. You will evaluate and enforce environmental regulations, including AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383, coordinating with cities, counties and state agencies to achieve climate goals.

The role requires strong investigative and analytical skills, ongoing travel up to 25%, and a valid California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Experience applying environmental laws and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate compliance and provide enforcement recommendations.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and work in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance for cities/counties, districts, schools, and agencies.
• Conduct in-depth research and problem-solving to support enforcement actions.
• Prepare reports, NOVs, CAPs and other enforcement documents to meet statewide goals.

Skills

Environmental compliance

Regulatory research

Problem-solving

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.

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-532737


• Position #(s): 835-808-0762-001


• 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


• # of Positions: 2


• 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

Are you interested in furthering the State's commitment to reduce climate change? Would you like to be a part a new team evaluating and enforcing the State's landmark legislation for climate change through organics collection and recycling? Do you have experience in evaluating and verifying compliance with environmental laws? Are you motivated about the opportunity to oversee and accomplish compliance at the local level to achieve statewide environmental goals?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this may be the job for you!

CalRecycle is looking for an enthusiastic, forward-thinking leader to help implement and enforce our statewide regulations and minimum standards, like Senate Bill 1383. This position involves performing compliance oversight for various entities including cities and counties, special districts, schools, colleges and universities, and state agencies/facilities for compliance with several environmental laws (e.g., AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383) with an emphasis on cross-division collaboration. This position requires in-depth research and problem-solving skills to make environmental compliance and enforcement recommendations for reports, notice of violations (NOVs), corrective action plans (CAPs), agenda items, or other enforcement documents to achieve statewide climate change reduction goals. You will travel up to 25% as well as have the flexibility to telework and/or be office-based. Travel may involve multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays.

This position requires that you possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your applications. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Failing to maintain a valid CDL will result in a failure to meet job requirements.

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, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the positions designated headquarter location, as reflected on the duty statement and 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.

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).