Deputy Executive Officer, Delta Science Division

Job Description and Duties

Telework Information: Hybrid approach that includes office- and remote-centric work solutions.

All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200 . Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Do you want to be a part of a dynamic team of highly motivated individuals who enjoy working to benefit present and future generations of Californians? Join the Delta Stewardship Council, where we ensure a more reliable California water supply and a resilient Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem while protecting and enhancing the region as a special place where people live, work, and recreate!

The Deputy Executive Officer (DEO)(CEA B), for the Delta Science Division at the Delta Stewardship Council, leads the Division in advancing California’s water supply reliability and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta’s ecosystem resiliency. Reporting to the Chief Deputy Executive Officer, this executive role oversees the development and implementation of strategic science initiatives, including the Delta Science Plan, Science Action Agenda, and State of Bay Delta Science, while managing a $20–30 million budget and supervising staff, advisors, and contractors. The DEO for Science provides high level guidance on adaptive management, scientific review, and policy-neutral technical matters, represents the Council with state, federal, and local agencies, and drives collaborative efforts to deliver unbiased scientific information for decision making.

W e’re located in the new state of the art Natural Resources Building in downtown Sacramento. Our building features ergonomic furniture, panoramic downtown views, a free employee gym, a cafeteria and bodega, call and conference rooms, adjacent childcare, and much more.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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:

• Demonstrated executive level experience leading teams and programs, showing strong management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities and make high level strategic decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to represent complex scientific programs in collaborative science venues and effectively communicate scientific concepts to diverse external audiences, including partner agencies, academia, and public stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability to prepare and deliver detailed reports, briefings, and presentations on complex issues to internal leadership and external governing bodies, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and informed decision making.

• Demonstrated experience providing executive guidance for science based decision-making processes, including adaptive management, independent scientific review, and evaluation of scientific uncertainties.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate, and implement large scale, or complex scientific programs, including strategic planning, development of science agendas, and oversight of high impact scientific initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi source budgets and exercising fiscal stewardship of scientific programs, including contract oversight, grant administration, and prioritization of critical science investigations.

• Demonstrated dedication to advancing Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion (JEDI) principles by fostering inclusive practices, valuing diverse expertise, and strengthening equity in scientific programs and organizational culture.

Benefits

The Council offers a competitive pay schedule and work-life balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some of these benefits:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• Pension where employees contribute monthly, as does the Department
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) titled “Statement of Qualifications, JC-524460”, including their full name. The SOQ should be no more than four pages in length, using Arial 11-point font, and must be clearly written and well-organized. Each response within the SOQ should be numbered to correspond with the specific question being addressed.
The SOQ serves as the examination for this position. Ensure your responses are detailed and include 2-3 relevant examples, indicate your total years of experience, and identify the position you held when performing each example for every question below.

1.Describe your experience developing or leading a multi-year strategic science plan for a statewide or multi-agency program. Identify the governance structure, stakeholder engagement methods, and how your leadership advanced long-term scientific priorities.

2. Provide examples of how you managed a large, multi source scientific budget (e.g., state, federal, grant-based, interagency agreements). Describe your approach to developing funding strategies that anticipate changing budget cycles, leverage diverse portfolios, and sustain long term scientific programs.

3. Describe your experience leading or coordinating large scale scientific or environmental initiatives across multiple agencies or jurisdictions. How did you maintain alignment, resolve scientific disagreements, and ensure decisions were grounded in best available science?

4. Explain how you have managed multidisciplinary teams of scientists, analysts, contractors, or advisors. Describe your leadership approach, how you foster high performance, and how you navigate organizational barriers to achieve scientific outcomes.

5. Provide examples of how you distilled complex scientific findings into clear policy guidance or decision support materials for executive leadership or a governing body. Describe how your work influenced program direction or policy outcomes.

Resumes, letters and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ. You must follow all SOQ instructions exactly as listed in the job posting for your application package to be considered.

Use the SOQ to show how your education, training, and experience align with the ideal candidate profile and job duties. Clearly explain how your background meets the positions requirements and present your information in a clear, well organized manner.

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 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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - See instructions below uner the "Statement of Qualifications" section.