SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CalRecycle’s Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach seeks a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as a lead technical expert on environmental justice and tribal-relations issues. The incumbent will conduct advanced analyses, guide statewide EJ priorities, and lead complex evaluations of program impacts on California tribes and disadvantaged communities.

The role designs studies, performs fieldwork, develops guidance, and advises leadership on

Qualifications

• Advanced environmental science expertise with application to environmental justice and tribal priorities.
• Ability to independently design and lead complex scientific studies or analyses.
• Clear and effective communication of advanced scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical guidance on environmental justice and tribal-relations issues.
• Coordinate cross-division efforts to ensure consistent EJ implementation.
• Prepare high-level technical reports and public-facing materials.
• Lead outreach and partnership-building with tribes and statewide partners.

Skills

Environmental science

Environmental justice

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Job Posting:Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

JC-533358 -

JC-533358 - Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 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: 10/11/2026

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

CalRecycle’s Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as a lead technical expert on environmental justice and tribal-relations issues. The incumbent will conduct advanced scientific analyses, guide departmentwide integration of environmental justice and tribal priorities, and lead complex evaluations of program impacts on California Native American tribes, disadvantaged communities, low-income populations, rural communities, and farmworkers. This role independently designs studies, performs advanced fieldwork, develops best-practice guidance, and advises leadership on emerging environmental challenges and policy opportunities. The Senior Environmental Scientist will coordinate cross-division efforts to ensure consistency in environmental justice implementation, provide specialized training to staff, prepare high-level technical reports and public-facing materials, and lead outreach and partnership-building efforts with tribes, community organizations, and statewide partners. In addition, the incumbent may lead and support aspects of grant and contract management, including development of equity-focused criteria, technical review of proposals, and monitoring of project performance to ensure alignment with environmental justice and tribal priorities. Occasional statewide travel is required, and the position participates in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program. This position offers the opportunity to shape statewide environmental programs, strengthen equitable access to grants, support community-centered engagement strategies, and advance youth environmental education initiatives. 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. T his 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 .

Working Conditions

The incumbent works in a high-rise office building in an enclosed, non-windowed office cubicle in a smoke-free environment. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Mandatory overtime, including evening and weekend work, may be necessary during the year end closing process or when the department is mission tasked. Travel may be required locally and within the state.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Classification

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00 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

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.

• 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.
• When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 25-291 & Position # 835-207-0756-001 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
• If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.
• Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Advanced environmental science expertise with application to environmental justice and tribal priorities.
• Ability to independently design and lead complex scientific studies or analyses.
• Clear and effective communication of advanced scientific or technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to produce high-quality work products that clearly and concisely convey scientific findings, conclusions, and concepts.
• Experience providing technical guidance, training, or mentorship to staff.
• Experience managing grants or contracts, including development, review, monitoring, or implementation of funded projects.

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR

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.

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

Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources RPA 25-291
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

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.

Statement of Qualifications

Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. Applications received without this information may not be considered for this position. SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, and no smaller than 12-point font.

Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

Other

• Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License.
• Must have and maintain a REAL ID (compliant license or acceptable alternative form of identification) to be able to pass through TSA security checkpoints for required domestic flying.
• Must be able to occasionally travel (via airplane or car etc) to conduct State business.

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.