ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

California State Department of Cannabis Control; Soudan (CA); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The California State Department of Cannabis Control is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the Compliance Inspection Branch in the SoCal Office, San Diego Unit. This role conducts scientific fieldwork, onsite inspections, and compliance evaluations across licensed cannabis facilities statewide, ensuring environmental protections.

Reporting to the Senior Environmental Scientist, you will review records, coordinate investigations with partners, and communicate findings to licensees and

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement: Environmental Scientist title.
• Experience performing site inspections and environmental compliance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite inspections of licensed cannabis facilities statewide.
• Review operational records and environmental documentation for compliance.
• Coordinate with regulatory partners on investigations and follow-up actions.
• Communicate findings to licensees and internal staff.

Skills

Environmental Fieldwork

Regulatory Compliance

Job description

Job Posting: Environmental Scientist

$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: 10/1/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Department of Cannabis Control is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Environmental Scientist to join the Compliance Inspection Branch in the SoCal Office, San Diego Unit. This position is primarily based Statewide and plays a critical role in ensuring environmental and operational compliance across California's licensed cannabis facilities.

Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory) in the San Diego Unit (Unit), within the SoCal Office (Office), part of the Compliance Inspection Branch (Branch), part of the Compliance Division (Division), within the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), the Environmental Scientist (ES) will perform scientific fieldwork and compliance evaluations across all licensed cannabis facilities. The incumbent will be responsible for verifying that licensed facilities are operating in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and environmental protection requirements. The incumbent will conduct onsite inspections, technical assessments, and may participate in investigations within an assigned geographic area. The incumbent may also be required to perform coordinated fieldwork and investigations with other governmental agencies, as needed. The geographical location for this position is located within Southern California; however, may be required to conduct business throughout the State of California (State).

What You'll Do:

Scientific Fieldwork & Compliance Inspections

• Conduct onsite inspections of licensed cannabis facilities in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.
• Assess compliance with cannabis and environmental regulations and identify deficiencies.
• Prepare clear inspection reports with supporting documentation.
• Support coordinated inspections and search warrants with investigative or law enforcement entities.
• Communicate compliance findings to licensees, stakeholders, and internal staff.

Records Review & Scientific Evaluation

• Review operational records, inventory data, and tracking system information for compliance.
• Evaluate documentation related to water use, waste management, pesticides, storage, and transport.
• Apply scientific methods to identify non compliance and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with regulatory and investigative partners on cases involving environmental or operational concerns.

Communication, Coordination & Education

• Collaborate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies on compliance matters.
• Provide guidance to licensees and industry representatives on environmental and operational requirements.
• Support educational and outreach efforts, including workshops and seminars.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Minimum Requirements

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-531644

Position #(s): 592-320-0762-XXX, 592-320-0762-065

Working Title: Environmental Scientist

Classification:

• $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: Multiple

Work Location: United States

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Looking for exciting, dynamic, and impactful work in a growing industry? The Department of Cannabis Control is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual that wants to work in a multi-tasking environment. The Department's mission is to develop and implement progressive cannabis policies and license and regulate commercial cannabis activity in a way that best protects public health, safety, the environment, and local communities throughout the State of California.

Department Website: https://cannabis.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) - Title 11, Section 703 (d) of the California Code of Regulations requires criminal record checks of all personnel who have access to CORI. Pursuant to this requirement, applicants for this position will be required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and be cleared before hiring. In accordance with CORI procedures, clearance shall be maintained while employed in a CORI-designated position. Additionally, the position routinely works with sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of documents and topics pertaining to individuals or to sensitive program matters at all times.
• Conflict of Interest (COI) - This position is subject to COI Regulations. The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1st, and within 30 days of leaving office.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program - The incumbent shall participate in DMV's EPN Program, which is a process for providing the Department with a report showing the driver's current public record as recorded by the DMV, and any subsequent convictions, failures to appear, accidents, driver's license suspensions, driver's license revocations, or any other actions taken against the driving privilege or license, added to the driver's DMV record.
• Medical Surveillance and Respiratory Protection Program - Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 5144 and the Department's Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, the incumbent shall participate in the Department's Medical Surveillance and Respiratory Protection Program due to the potential exposure to dangerous pesticides, molds, and other hazardous substances.
• Medical Clearance - In accordance with the provisions of Government Code 18931, a medical clearance is required from the California Department of Human Resources' (Cal HR) Medical Officer. The medical clearance must be completed, submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to extending an offer of employment.
• Travel - The incumbent is required to travel throughout the state of California by various methods of transportation.