Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) (JC-485346)

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search 485346 to locate the job posting and apply.

Link: CalCareers 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers after the job closes on 8/18/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

This is a 12-month limited-term (LT) position and may be extended up to 24 months, with the possibility of becoming permanent. If becoming permanent, the selected candidate must have eligibility for a permanent appointment at the time of the LT appointment or at the time of the conversion.

This position is entitled to a $250.00 pay differential per month based on Bargaining Unit and/or work location.

Are you passionate about protecting creeks, wetlands, and San Francisco Bay, and working collaboratively on issues like flood management, climate change adaptation, and creek restoration? The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has an opening for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as the lead for Santa Clara Valley Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Valley Water) project permitting in the Board’s Watershed Management Division.

The office is located at 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400, Oakland, CA 94612, near BART and other public transportation, restaurants, and more.

Duties

The incumbent will serve as the Board’s lead staff responsible for: 1) Reviewing applications and writing authorizations for Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification program and Reports of Waste Discharge under the Porter-Cologne Act related to dredge or fill of streams, wetlands, and other waters, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, and waivers of any permit, certification, or action, for Valley Water projects; 2) Reviewing and commenting on Valley Water documents and projects, including project plans, monitoring reports, watershed management plans, and related work; (3) Preparation of meeting agenda material relating to Water Board meetings on Valley Water projects; and (4) Participating in meetings, public hearings, and field work relating to the Water Board’s work on Valley Water projects.

Using scientific and regulatory skills, the incumbent will review applications for impact avoidance and minimization to beneficial uses of streams and wetlands; review and interpret stormwater management plans, hydrologic data, hydraulic modeling data, rainfall data, climate data, existing land uses and ambient water quality and biological resources data, to determine if the applications are complete; review the adequacy of compensatory mitigation; conduct site inspections; write Certifications; and draft Orders for Board consideration.

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. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Salary information – CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

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

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $7,556.00 - $10,221.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.