Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Monitoring Assessment and Research Unit Supervisor (Senior Environmental Scientist), the incumbent will conduct water, sediment, physical habitat sampling, sample analysis, data analysis, reporting, and research for surface waters in the San Diego Region. Consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the Water Boards’ Strategic Plan and the San Diego Water Board’s Practical Vision. The incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal and external customers, to follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal and external customer input when completing work assignments. The position location is 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

Duties:

Conduct water, sediment, physical habitat, and biological organism monitoring, analysis, and reporting for various surface water throughout the San Diego Region using sound scientific methods in accordance with State of California Standard Operating Procedures. Work will require, in accordance with health and safety practices and regulations, hiking long distances over uneven terrain in inclement weather, wading in shallow waters, assisting with boat operations, working in areas with hazardous organisms, and driving on rough roads for extended distances. Manage and manipulate data, produce maps, analyze results, and prepare reports using Geographic Information System and statistical software. Provide scientific review and interpretation of technical reports and ecological considerations related to monitoring data for various programs. Use data interpretation/visualization tools to analyze and evaluate water quality data and the potential effects of pollutants and pollution on water quality and beneficial uses in order to guide regulatory and non-regulatory actions to achieve environmental outcomes. Work collaboratively with other staff and regulatory agencies. Conduct data analysis as part of supporting documentation for San Diego Water Board review or adoption. Provide written and verbal recommendation to staff and Board members for projects based on a review of monitoring data for discharges and receiving waters.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

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Working Conditions

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25after July 1, 2026.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. E mployees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 25-190-024 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam:

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential’s evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: .

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

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:

• Knowledge of science and applied regulatory practices regarding (i) the physical, biological, and chemical factors of water pollution and water quality, and (ii) the management of surface waters and groundwaters to control water pollution and water quality.
• Knowledge and experience in the sampling and analysis of water, sediment, physical habitat, and biological organisms in accordance with state and federal standard operating procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting biological assessments, taxonomic identifications, and calculation of indices of biotic integrity.
• Knowledge and experience in evaluating, reconciling, and analyzing multiple sources of data, scientific reports and publications, and technical reports to make recommendations for regulatory purposes.
• Knowledge of federal and State of California laws, policies, and regulations regarding protection and assessment of marine, estuarine, freshwater, and groundwater resources.
• Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft’s Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience in working with statistical analysis programs (e.g. R) for graphical presentation and data analysis.
• Knowledge and experience working with Geographic Information System software.
• Experience using communication and outreach skills to effectively influence others to meet organizational goals.
• Ability to safely operate and trailer boats and other small watercraft.
• Ability to safely operate 4wd vehicles on rough roads and in inclement weather.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects to meet organizational needs and priorities.
• Ability to incorporate current scientific research and technical information into regulatory projects.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and foster effective partnerships with other agencies, the regulated community, and the public through clear, timely, and professional communication.
• Ability to effectively analyze problems, consider alternatives, and make recommendations.
• Ability to use organizational values in decision-making and work products.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. and Health Benefits | CalPERS

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12-point font , and normal margins.

The Statement of Qualifications must describe how your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience have prepared you to successfully work as a member of the Monitoring, Assessment, and Research Unit and contribute to the overall mission of the Board. Please provide specific examples from your education, training, and/or professional experience to support your response.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated may not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

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 - Please see below for specific requirements.
• Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.