Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for a rewarding job that protects our environment and contributes to creating California's circular economy? Then, join our team at CalRecycle!

CalRecycle is recruiting six Environmental Scientists to co-lead the development and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for carpet, pharmaceutical and sharps waste, batteries, and textiles.

As an Environmental Scientist, you will have the opportunity to:

• Oversee the industry-led, statewide program collecting, managing, and recycling covered products.
• Coordinate with an integrated CalRecycle team that performs a variety of professional scientific work related to CalRecycle's Extended Producer Responsibility activities.
• Independently perform environmental and natural resource management analysis; develop and implement regulations; provide program oversight; review stewardship plans, and annual reports; write regulatory and compliance documents; prepare correspondence and answer questions from the public; and perform other related work to implement CalRecycle's Extended Producer Responsibility programs.
• Provide consultative advice to governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and businesses.
• Travel throughout the state approximately 5% of the time.

This position requires that you possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your applications. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Failing to maintain a valid CDL will result in a failure to meet job requirements.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

• When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 24-050, 24-051, 25-219, 25-220, 25-221, 25-222 & Position # 835-533-0762-002 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

• Please attach a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

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:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing and presenting information, drafting scientific correspondence, and briefing leaders on key topics.
• Experience researching, compiling, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data in accordance with scientific principles to support environmental policy and decision-making.
• Experience with and knowledge of environmental or waste management policies, programs, and regulations.
• Experience with multiple competing projects and priorities. Strong project planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Experience working on a team, helping foster and promote collaboration, including engagement with internal and external resources, including governmental agencies, industry partners, and the public.

Benefits

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR

Statement of Qualifications

Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position, as they relate to the desirable qualifications listed in this job posting. Applications received without this information may not be considered for this position. SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, and no smaller than 12-point font.

Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - See Statement of Qualifications requirements below.