Southern California Edison Liaison

Job Description and Duties

Join the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s South Coast Habitat Conservation Planning Team! Are you passionate about conserving California’s fish and wildlife? Do you thrive on tackling complex environmental challenges with a dedicated, dynamic team? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is hiring a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to serve as an independent liaison for Southern California Edison (SCE). This is a unique opportunity to support critical utility infrastructure projects while protecting Southern California’s diverse ecosystems.

As a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), you’ll help implement the Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Program, California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CDFW may be serving as the Lead or Responsible Agency under CEQA in order to issue permits. Key responsibilities include:
- Environmental Reviews: Analyze biological, environmental, and natural resource data to support CEQA, CESA, and LSA implementation particularly for SCE projects in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
- Document Preparation: Draft regulatory and compliance documents aligned with state environmental laws.
- Permitting & Compliance: Prepare and ensure compliance for LSA Agreements, CESA Incidental Take Permits, and Consistency Determinations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Respond to project inquiries and support coordination efforts across CDFW, SCE, other agencies, and the public.

Who We’re Looking For: We’re seeking a proactive, detail-oriented professional with: strong multitasking and project management skills; knowledge of biological and regulatory issues affecting wildlife and habitats; excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities; and a deep commitment to environmental conservation.

Make a real impact—help shape the future of California’s ecosystems while advancing your career with CDFW.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Class Title: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)/

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

This position is posted in the following counties : Orange County/Santa Barbara County . You only need to apply to one county.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The office will be located at either the Seal Beach or Santa Barbara office, with site visits throughout the South Coast Region, including Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties. Periodic travel outside the South Coast Region will also be required. The position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard and Microsoft Office software for up to eight hours per day, and to complete office tasks that involve sitting, standing, and walking to other locations. The role also includes coordinating and participating in meetings and conference calls, as well as attending in-person meetings and workgroups with stakeholders and local, state, and federal agencies within the South Coast Region. Field site visits and travel will be necessary, and the incumbent must be able to walk on uneven, hilly terrain; and must wear safety or protective footwear. As a condition of employment, the incumbent shall wear an appropriate uniform consistent with CDFW’s Operations Manual (Section 12901) for the various work situations, such as field surveys and work with public interaction, within and outside the Region as required by the supervisor. Telework is up to the discretion and approval of the supervisor and will be consistent with current telework policies. A valid driver’s license is required.

Special Requirements

The selected candidate may be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.

The selected candidate may be required to provide a copy of their Degree/Official Transcripts.

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:

Special Personal Characteristics: Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong listening skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently. A high degree of initiative, flexibility, open-mindedness, tact, reliability, and keenness of observation. Excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to lead discussions with departmental staff and other professionals.

Interpersonal Skills: Work independently and as part of a team; communicate effectively, politely, and tactfully with agency representatives and the public, while maintaining productive relationships in contentious settings. Demonstrate excellent listening and negotiation skills, and work positively with colleagues, including administrative and engineering staff. Build effective relationships with employees, supervisors, and managers across government and industry. Resolve conflicts at the lowest level, motivate staff, and encourage teamwork and professional development. Exhibit a strong work ethic and a high degree of environmental awareness. Possess excellent professional writing skills for various documents (e.g., emails, letters, reports, and permits) in accordance with statewide templates and regional style conventions. Collect, compile, and analyze complex biological and ecosystem data, and proactively seek solutions to problems.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-531-0765-048and RPA Number E-R5 ES 25-010in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete

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 -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.

  In two pages or less, using 12-point Arial font and standard margins, please provide a Statement of Qualifications. The statement should detail your relevant knowledge and experience in the following areas:
  1. The ecosystems, plant, fish, and wildlife resources in California.
  2. Permitting for impacts to species, streams, and wetlands, specifically mention utility permitting experience if applicable.
• Other -

  A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted along with your STD 678 application. Failure to include a Cover Letter will result in an incomplete application submission.

  Include a cover letter,summarizing why you are interested in this position and relevant work and educational experience that qualifies you for this position (no more than 1 page long, size 12 point Arial font, normal margin layout).