Become a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

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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.

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is the advanced journey level of the series. Incumbents independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct critical and/or sensitive scientific investigations and studies and may prepare guidance, policy, planning, or regulatory documents and legislative proposals on issues of importance to the employer, and do other related work. Decision making at this level has a higher consequence of error than that of an Environmental Scientist, Range C. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project, program function, or area of expertise; may act as a mentor to lower level staff; and may act as consultants to other technical staff, management, and other agencies in those matters.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$7,556 - $10,221 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. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 
Possession of a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.)

And

Experience:

Either I
Two years of experience in the California state civil service performing the duties of an Environmental Scientist, Range C.

Or II
Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience as a scientist in environmental analysis, research, management, planning, regulation, or investigation, two years of which have included responsibility in the development or implementation of environmental policies, programs, plans, or research projects; or conducting an environmental monitoring and surveillance, enforcement, or environmental management program; or in the direction of the work of a multidisciplinary environmental investigatory or regulatory staff, at a level equivalent to that of an Environmental Scientist, Range C, in the California state civil service. Possession of a master's degree in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; possession of a doctorate in the above-named disciplines may be substituted for two years of the general experience.


Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
In addition to the above, broad knowledge of the legislative process; California and Federal environmental regulatory and resource management laws, regulations, plans, programs, and policies relating to their program area; resource management practices and techniques; and chemical substances and waste materials and their interactions with and effects on public health and the environment.

Ability to:
In addition to the above, develop scientific methodologies, research projects, criteria, procedures, guidelines, reference materials, planning and regulatory documents, and other innovative solutions for critical and/or sensitive environmental management problems; independently plan environmental studies; provide research and evaluation of short-term and important projects concerning public health, agricultural productivity, and environmental protection; develop techniques for handling and analyzing a large variety of detailed data; communicate the results and implications of studies to nonspecialists; act as an expert witness in court or at legislative or quasi-judicial hearings; provide leadership in accomplishing basic functions and objectives in assigned programs; and inspire confidence and effective working relationships with employees, managers, and leaders in government and industry.

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