Environmental Scientist (JC-504616)

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 for job code 504616 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: CalCareers

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 1/29/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Under the general direction of the Monitoring Assessment and Research Unit Supervisor (Senior Environmental Scientist), the incumbent will conduct water, sediment, physical habitat sampling, sample analysis, data analysis, reporting, and research for surface waters in the San Diego Region. Consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the Water Boards’ Strategic Plan and the San Diego Water Board’s Practical Vision. The incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal and external customers, to follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal and external customer input when completing work assignments. The position location is 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

Duties:

Conduct water, sediment, physical habitat, and biological organism monitoring, analysis, and reporting for various surface water throughout the San Diego Region using sound scientific methods in accordance with State of California Standard Operating Procedures. Work will require, in accordance with health and safety practices and regulations, hiking long distances over uneven terrain in inclement weather, wading in shallow waters, assisting with boat operations, working in areas with hazardous organisms, and driving on rough roads for extended distances.  Manage and manipulate data, produce maps, analyze results, and prepare reports using Geographic Information System and statistical software. Provide scientific review and interpretation of technical reports and ecological considerations related to monitoring data for various programs. Use data interpretation/visualization tools to analyze and evaluate water quality data and the potential effects of pollutants and pollution on water quality and beneficial uses in order to guide regulatory and non-regulatory actions to achieve environmental outcomes. Work collaboratively with other staff and regulatory agencies. Conduct data analysis as part of supporting documentation for San Diego Water Board review or adoption. Provide written and verbal recommendation to staff and Board members for projects based on a review of monitoring data for discharges and receiving waters.

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.

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.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

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. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

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