SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

JC-518460

• 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: 5/26/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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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!

Position Description:

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 may be eligible for hybrid 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. Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

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

Working Conditions

The EPA headquarters building offices in downtown Sacramento are well-lit, enclosed, non-windowed office cubicles in a smoke-free environment. The 40-hour work week schedule is typically dayshift, Monday through Friday. Office and field work includes, on a regular basis, writing and reviewing inspection reports and notices, contact with the regulated community by way of in-person, phone and video conferencing, preparation and review of other documents and internet research. Overnight travel may be required locally and within the state. The job occasionally requires you to perform field inspections, hear vehicles and alarms or other audible signals of possible risk.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-518460

Position #(s):

835-813-0765-001

Working Title:

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:

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

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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/26/2026

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

N/A

Attn: Human Resources RPA 25-265

P.O. Box 4025, MS 19A

Sacramento, CA 95812-4025

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

N/A

Human Resources RPA 25-265

1001 I Street, 19th Floor

Sacramento, CA 95812-4025

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualificaions section below.

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.

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:

• Leads complex process development and optimization activities, applying Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Experience in the development and implementation of regulations.
• Experience playing a role in taking on new programmatic initiatives.
• Experience with using Microsoft Office Suite and other office productivity software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Access, Adobe Acrobat, and web conferencing software.
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Evaluates and optimizes processes from a systems perspective, integrating continuous improvement principles to improve coordination, reduce redundancies, and support department-wide operational excellence.
• Experience in problem solving and analytical abilities, evaluating options, and implementing effective solutions, particularly in policy or procedural contexts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate complex information and guide teams and stakeholders through organizational or procedural changes.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with stakeholders, multiple agencies or within multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

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 25-265

(916) 341-6852

careers@calrecycle.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

Alexis Robison

(916) 341-6646

Alexis.Robison@calrecycle.ca.gov

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

(916) 341-6660

EEO@calrecycle.ca.gov

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.

Statement of Qualifications

A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the "Special Requirements" section.

Instructions:

• No more than one page in length
• Normal 1 inch margins
• Single line spaced
• Times New Roman font, 12 point
• Indicate your name on the top of the page

Directions:

Please describe your experience and achievements in leadership, process development, and policy development, including any use of process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement tools) to enhance operations. Explain how these experiences have prepared you to excel in this position. In your description, please include the dates and your job title when you performed these duties.

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. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

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.