Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

CalRecycle; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

CalRecycle, in California's government system, seeks a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to lead technical enforcement and program analysis within the Product Stewardship Compliance Branch. The role emphasizes environmental research, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with staff across divisions.

The position requires travel across California, on-site presence for four days per week with possible telework, and a valid California driver's license.

Qualifications

• Lead technical expert on product stewardship compliance programs.
• Experience in environmental science, analytics, and enforcement.
• Willingness to travel throughout California.

Responsibilities

• Assess and enforce regulations for product stewardship compliance.
• Review technical documents, analyses, and monitoring records.
• Provide training and mentoring to staff on compliance with state standards.
• Develop and implement enforcement programs and investigations.

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.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. 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-536824

Position #(s): 835-813-0765-001

Working Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$8,055.00 - $11,269.00

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: Sacramento County

Telework: 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.

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

Job Description And Duties

Do you have a passion to perform a variety of scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies for Product Stewardship Compliance Branch? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to join our talented team that is passionate to work in the Product Stewardship Compliance programs!

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager II (Supervisory) (EPM II) in the Product Stewardship Compliance Branch, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will act as a lead technical expert on the product stewardship compliance programs. The incumbent performs difficult, complex, sensitive scientific and technical duties related to CalRecycle’s product stewardship compliance, including environmental and materials management research, analyses, investigations, and enforcement. The incumbent utilizes principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, and statistical analysis, along with expertise in integrated waste management, industry economics, public health, and resource management.

Responsibilities include assessing and enforcing regulations, reviewing and analyzing technical documents, evaluating operations and monitoring records, and conducting inspections and compliance assessments. The incumbent is responsible for determining the significance of violations and their general effect on public health, safety, environmental justice, and the environment for the program. Key duties include providing training and mentoring of staff in the determination of compliance with state minimum standards, offering technical expertise on evaluation and enforcement matters; reviewing findings and reports for technical adequacy; and ensuring that enforcement information in the Department’s databases has been accurately input by staff.

Additional duties include process development, monitoring, and evaluation to support various functions of the branch. The incumbent will independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct investigations and studies that yield information and recommendations to improve the department’s oversight of product stewardship compliance programs. Additionally, the incumbent will play a key role in the development and implementation of new enforcement programs related to products with extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship requirements.

This position involves traveling throughout California involving multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.

This position is required to be in office a minimum of four days per week. This position may be eligible for one day a week telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

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

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.
• 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 25-265 & Position # 835-813-0765-001 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
• 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.

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.