SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

California Department of Toxic Substances Control; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Toxic Substances Control in Sacramento is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to join the Enforcement Performance Management Branch. You will oversee enforcement actions and coordinate with multiple offices to settle cases efficiently.

The role requires strong technical writing, leadership, and knowledge of environmental regulations and hazardous waste. This permanent, full-time position offers hybrid telework at DTSC's Cal Center Regional Office in

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications are described in the job posting’s classification specification.
• Experience in enforcement actions and regulatory topics is preferred.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste and environmental regulation is expected.

Responsibilities

• Settle enforcement actions for violations cited during inspections.
• Coordinate case development with prosecuting attorneys and agency staff.
• Prepare and process consent orders or enforcement orders to settle actions.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and represent DTSC in enforcement actions.
• Continuously improve the enforcement program with data-driven solutions.

Skills

Strong technical writing

Inspection and enforcement

Presentations experience

Team leadership

Environmental regulation understanding

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Smartsheet

SharePoint

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-528390

Position #(s): 810-911-0765-008

Working Title: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Classification: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Salary Range: $7,820.00 - $10,732.00

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: Cal Center Regional Office

Department Information

This position is located at our Cal Center Regional office in Sacramento, 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!

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

Job Description And Duties

Are you seeking to join a vibrant team of scientists, engineers and analysts dedicated to preserving and protecting California’s wildlife, people and environment? Embrace challenges and opportunities that push your skills to new heights by becoming a valued member of the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Enforcement Performance Management Branch! Join us today!

• Settle enforcement actions for violations cited during inspections
• Collaborate with other EERD regional offices, the Office of Legal Counsel, the Office of Criminal Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and other Boards, Departments, or Offices to settle enforcement cases in a timely and consistent manner
• Coordinate case development with prosecuting attorneys and related agency staff
• Prepare and process consent orders or enforcement orders for settling administrative enforcement actions
• Prepare legal enforcement referrals and administrative orders for violations of state statutes, regulations, and permit requirements, as appropriate
• Participate in settlement negotiations of enforcement cases and represent DTSC in administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions
• Continuously improve the enforcement program by assessing processes, identifying opportunities to increase efficiencies, and provide data-driven solutions to management

Desirable Qualifications We Look For

• Strong technical writing skills
• Inspection and enforcement work experience
• Experience developing and delivering presentations on scientific, technical, or regulatory topics
• Experience with serving as a team lead
• An understanding of environmental regulation and/or hazardous waste
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint), Smartsheet’s, and experience utilizing different databases
• Ability to manage projects while working with a variety of parties and staying on schedule
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management, and the public, and as a member of a team
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent conflict resolution skills

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.

This position has been reposted. If you have previously applied for JC-509743 your application will NOT be considered. Therefore, you must apply to JC-528390 to be considered.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for the hiring manager’s review. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified. The SOQ responses should reflect your own experience and perspective and be written in your own words. It should be no more than 2 pages in length, be clearly written and well organized, and in Arial font size 12.

Your SOQ Should Address The Following

• Please describe how your work experience has prepared you for this Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) position. Provide specific examples. Reference the duty statement as needed.
• The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) facilitates settlement negotiations with violators. Difficult or combative violators often lead to conflicts in settlement meetings. Provide details on how you manage conflicts and find resolutions. Please provide one specific example.

Final Filing Date: 8/25/2026

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).

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.