Become an Environmental Scientist

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  Entry Level
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  Supervisory
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  Full Time
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  Seasonal
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  Benefits Eligible

This series specification describes three Environmental Scientist and three Environmental Program Manager classifications used to perform a broad range of staff, supervisor, and management work concerning present and future environmental, environmental health, and natural resource management issues related to protecting California's natural resources, agricultural productivity, and public health. Incumbents give presentations; prepare environmental permitting packages, regulatory permits, and other environmental documents; implement enforcement of various environmental and environmental health-related laws and regulations; and conduct natural resource management and environmental protection, planning, and implementation activities. Incumbents apply scientific methods and principles in the identification, research, and solution of problems in the areas of biodiversity planning, environmental monitoring, water resources development, water conservation, water recycling, waste classification, and illegal discharge of waste (including solid and hazardous waste) to the lands and waters of California, toxic and hazardous materials management, point and nonpoint source pollution, natural area management, habitat protection and restoration, wetland restoration, river greenways, riparian habitat, land and water use, agricultural return flows, agricultural productivity, timber harvesting, streambed alterations, and watershed evaluation. Incumbents analyze and evaluate available data on the effects of air and water pollutants, waste management, prevention and recycling, water diversions, and water use on human health, vegetation, fish, wildlife, water supplies, potential land uses, and other aspects of the environment; prepare and review environmental impact reports and other documents to determine the effects of proposed activities on environmental health and all areas of the environment; coordinate environmental programs related to air, water and agricultural development, pollution, waste management and control, and other environmental and environmental health programs with other public and private agencies; develop regulatory measures and implement enforcement of environmental standards; manage and oversee site cleanup and emergency response efforts; develop recommendations regarding environmental programs as these may be affected by scientific findings; prepare and edit scientific papers for publication; research and develop innovative programs to address emerging problems; develop scientific methodologies, develop and assess alternatives for mitigation of the hazards to the public and environment; conduct or participate in remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and remedial action plans; review facility environmental practices; consult with and advise other agencies and institutions engaged in related environmental analysis, management, planning, regulation, investigation, and research; meet and confer with individuals and groups to obtain compliance with laws and regulations concerning environmental requirements of California and Federal governments; provide training; evaluate and certify local enforcement agencies; develop and/or analyze legislation, regulations, plans, policies, procedures, alternative technologies, practices, criteria, and guidelines; inspect permitted facilities, regulated activities, and contaminated or environmentally sensitive sites; participate in hearings and field investigations as a staff expert for environmental matters; and prepare reports and correspondence. On occasion, incumbents may perform environmental analysis in a laboratory setting.

Environmental Scientist

This class is the entry, intermediate working, and journey level of the series.

Range A is the entry and first working level of the class. Under close supervision, incumbents perform a variety of the less difficult and responsible professional scientific office and field work. In accordance with detailed instructions and specific standards, incumbents gather data on public health, environmental, agricultural productivity, and natural resource management issues; perform preliminary environmental analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies of less difficulty; prepare preliminary drafts of reports; prepare drafts of routine correspondence; answer questions of a routine and minor nature from the public; prepare regulatory and compliance documents; and do other related work. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on detailed instructions and assistance from lead persons and supervisors in the application of proven techniques and methodologies to assigned work.

Range B is the intermediate working level of the class. Under general supervision, incumbents perform a variety of responsible scientific professional office and field work. Incumbents gather data on public health, environmental, agricultural productivity, and natural resources management issues; perform environmental analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies of average difficulty; write preliminary reports; prepare routine correspondence and answer questions of a routine nature from the public and other governmental entities and agencies; prepare regulatory and compliance documents; enforce environmental laws and regulations; and do other related work. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on proven techniques and methodologies.

Range C is the journey level. Under direction, incumbents perform a variety of responsible professional scientific office and field work. Incumbents independently perform assigned public health, environmental, agricultural productivity, and natural resource management analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies; write final reports; prepare regulatory and compliance documents; enforce environmental law and regulations; prepare non-routine correspondence and answer non-routine questions from the public; and do other related work. Incumbents allocated to this level perform a variety of tasks including the more responsible, varied, and complex assignments; incumbents may provide consultative advice to various governmental entities and agencies. Work at this level is often characterized by independent development and use of techniques and methodologies. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,269 - $8,877 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHRExternal Link website and the CalPERSExternal Link website. 

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!