SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

State of California; Brea (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A rewarding Senior Environmental Scientist position is available at the State of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control. This role is crucial in protecting communities and the environment from toxic threats through extensive inspections and project management. Ideal candidates will have strong writing skills and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing and editing skills for technical reports.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.
• Strong communication skills with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex field inspections and investigations.
• Prepare inspection reports and summaries of violations.
• Maintain project files for inspections and enforcement.

Skills

Writing

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

Job Posting:SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Department of Toxic Substances Control

JC-479012 -

JC-479012 - SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Final Filing Date: 6/10/2025

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Are you looking for a rewarding position that protects California’s people, communities, and the environment from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals that have the potential to pollute land, water, and air through training, assistance, and local oversight? If so, please apply for this dynamic Senior Environmental Scientist position?

As a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) you will have the opportunity to:

• Independently plan, organize, and initiate the most complex, sensitive, and difficult field inspection and investigation related activities including, but not limited to serve as a lead to a team of Environmental Scientist staff conducting investigations of less complexity
• Inspection of hazardous waste generators, transporters, electronic waste handlers, electronic waste recycling facilities, metal shredder facilities, metal recycler facilities, metal platers and handlers of certain products with hazardous materials, mercury thermostat collection facilities and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine compliance with hazardous waste control laws and regulations
• Investigate complaints of alleged illegal hazardous waste activities
• Prepare written inspection reports; summaries of violations; affidavits for obtaining inspection or search warrants and statements of facts with detailed descriptions of defendants’ alleged violations, evidence and witnesses
• Maintain and review project files for inspection and enforcement projects to allow for appropriate public access while maintaining required confidentiality
• Input inspection, investigation, and enforcement information into EnviroStor Inspection, Complaint and Enforcement database as it occurs in a timely fashion and completes other program data and reporting requirements necessary for program implementation and management

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Excellent writing, ability to review and edit technical reports, project management, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively and communicate with all levels of staff, management, and the public, and as a member of a team, with integrity and using good judgement
• Demonstrated and high level of proficiency in managing multiple projects, setting and shifting priorities, and meeting deadlines
• Experience with inspections and enforcement
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations

A Statement of Qualifications is required as part of this application process. Below is a survey link to complete your Statement of Qualifications. This survey must be completed with your application by the final filing date of 06/10/2025. Failure to complete the survey by the final filing deadline may result in your application being removed from the selection process. Please allow approximately 1 hour to complete the survey:

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

Working Conditions

A hybrid schedule may be available for this position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Classification:

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,556.00 - $10,221.00

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Orange County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Cypress Regional Office

Department Information

This position is located at our Regional office in Cypress, CA .

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is a member of the boards, departments, and offices (BDO) within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

Our Mission: To protect California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.

Our Vision: All of California is thriving in a healthy environment.

Our Core Values: DTSC 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 California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products. Join DTSC to improve the lives of all Californians!

• 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.

Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Instructions

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for the hiring manager’s review. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified.

The SOQ should be no more than 1 page(s) in length, be clearly written and well-organized, contain no more than (five) grammatical and spelling errors, and Arial font size 12.

Your SOQ should address the following:

1. Please describe your education, training, and experience that make you a well-suited candidate for this position.

2. This position is a senior position; please specifically describe your experience with mentoring others.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date:

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/10/2025

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Toxic Substances Control Headquarters Attn: Talent Acquisition P.O. Box 806 Sacramento , CA 95812-0806

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Toxic Substances Control CalEPA Talent Acquisition 1001 I Street Sacramento , CA 95814-2828 Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD.678). Please refer to the "Special Requirements” section above for additional information.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/10/2025

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Toxic Substances Control Headquarters Attn: Talent Acquisition P.O. Box 806 Sacramento , CA 95812-0806

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Toxic Substances Control CalEPA Talent Acquisition 1001 I Street Sacramento , CA 95814-2828 Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD.678). Please refer to the "Special Requirements” section above for additional 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.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

A Statement of Qualifications is required as part of this application process. Below is a survey link to complete your Statement of Qualifications. This survey must be completed with your application by the final filing date of 06/10/2025. Failure to complete the survey by the final filing deadline may result in your application being removed from the selection process. Please allow approximately 1 hour to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCMY2GX

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the “Application Instructions” section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC #:479012 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application.

Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

Examination Information

List eligibility is established through an examination process in which one must apply and successfully pass the examination for the classification. If you have not established list eligibility for the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) , please click on the link to the examination bulletin for more information

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.