ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California; United States; Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Water Resources Control Board is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the agency’s mission of protecting California's water resources. The position offers hybrid telework, permanent full-time employment, and multiple field office locations in Bakersfield and Santa Ana.

Applicants must submit required materials and meet the SOQ requirements as described in the posting. The role emphasizes knowledge of environmental testing, data review, and compliance with related statutes, with a

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of a variety of scientific disciplines and basic research principles.
• Excellent written and oral communication, plus strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; good customer service.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Environmental Scientist

$4,551.00 - $9,601.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 10/30/2026

Employer: State Water Resources Control Board

Work Location: United States

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: State Water Resources Control Board

Field Office Locations:

• Bakersfield – 4925 Commerce Drive, Suite 120, Bakersfield, CA 93309.
• Santa Ana – 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 150, Santa Ana, CA 92707.

Duties: The applicant 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.

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 26-463-013 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of the fundamentals of a variety of scientific disciplines, general scientific concepts, and basic research principles. Knowledge of California Drinking Water related statutes and regulations. Strong written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as a team with colleagues. Knowledge and experience with Microsoft computer software. Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines. Excellent customer service skills.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12-point font, and normal margins.

Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:

• How many years of knowledge and/or experience do you have working in a commercial or governmental environmental testing laboratory? Describe your knowledge and/or experience and role(s).
• How many years of knowledge and/or experience do you have reviewing data for compliance purposes produced by a commercial or governmental environmental testing laboratory?
• How many years of knowledge and/or experience do you have calibrating equipment used in a commercial or governmental environmental testing laboratory? Describe the equipment involved.
• How many years of knowledge and/or experience do you have with laboratory sample testing using published methods from the Environmental Protection Agency, Standard Methods, American Society for Testing and Materials, or other Voluntary Standards Consensus Body? Describe your knowledge and/or experience and role(s), including a description of the methods involved (including method number, where applicable).
• How many years of knowledge and/or experience do you have with whole effluent toxicity testing? Describe your experience and role(s).

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Information

Human Resources Contact:
Aja Marsh
[phone]
[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:
Maria Friedman
[phone]
[e-mail]

Application and Accommodation Information

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.