The Data Modernization and Governance Section (DMGS) is a collaborative team working on technical studies of telemetered water monitoring and supporting data system improvement under the project known as Updating Water Rights Data (UPWARD). DMGS is seeking one Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist (SES Spec) who will be responsible for working with a multi-disciplinary team to develop environmental monitoring studies; conduct advanced data analysis to evaluate large or complex environmental datasets; identify and incorporate relevant information about environmental monitoring, data, policy, and regulations; develop key insights; and develop actionable recommendations for program and policy decisions on environmental data collection and management and on resource management.
This position is located at 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation. This position is required by current policy to work in the Sacramento office twice a week and as required by the supervisor. Other work days are eligible for telework, conditional on supervisor approval and are subject to change based on operational needs or department changes.
Duties:
The position requires preparing clear, targeted technical reports and plain language materials on environmental data and environmental management for diverse audiences, including technical staff, management, policymakers, and the public. The SES Spec must work independently, think creatively, communicate effectively, and collaborate with interested parties and interdisciplinary teams to ensure water resource management strategies are informed by accurate and insightful analyses.
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.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.
Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees 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.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-506708
Position #(s):
880-300-0765-XXX
Working Title:
Environmental Analysis and Writing Specialist
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board
Department Information The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Special Requirements In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
- RPA# 25-300-097 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 Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.
Here is the link to the exam:
https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1301 .
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: https://www.naces.org/members .
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 specifications.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 3/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources-Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources-Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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:
Experience conducting advanced data exploration and analysis of large or complex environmental datasets using software (e.g., Python, R).Experience identifying and incorporating relevant information about environmental monitoring, data, policy, and regulation into data results to develop key insights and actionable recommendations for program and policy decisions.Experience creating appropriate data visualizations (e.g., figures, plots, workflows) of environmental monitoring data to communicate and support data insights and recommendations using software (e.g., Python, R, PowerBI, ArcGIS).Experience preparing clear, targeted technical reports on environmental monitoring and environmental data for technical audiences.Experience preparing clear, targeted plain language materials on environmental monitoring and environmental data for diverse audiences, including management, policymakers, and the public.
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. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS
Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Nina Lopez-Arendovich
(916) 341-6974
nina.lopez-arendovich@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Laurel Dodgen
(916) 322-8422
laurel.dodgen@waterboards.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications 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 four (4) pages in length, using Arial font in 12 pt size , and normal margins.
The SOQ should have two sections, and both will be used for competitively evaluating each candidate.
The Narrative section should be no more than 3 pages in length and should describe the relevant experiences, skills, knowledge, and abilities you bring to this position. Use this document to explain your approach to analyzing large or complex datasets (preferably environmental) and writing technical information. You should reference past experiences and your Writing Portfolio (described below) to support your Narrative, but the Narrative should focus on your data exploration process, analytical approach, incorporation of environmental practice and policy, and writing and communication practices. This document will help us understand how you approach analysis and communication for environmental monitoring data and how you would apply your skills in this position. The Writing Portfolio section should be a list, no more than 1 page in length, with no more than 3 bullet points . Each bullet point should provide an example that demonstrates your ability to analyze, visualize, and write about large or complex datasets (preferably environmental). Each bullet point should contain 2 elements: 1) one sentence describing your authorship role, including the percent of the data analysis and the percent of the writing you contributed and 2) a direct link to that document or material on a publicly accessible webpage (e.g., GitHub, ResearchGate, Medium, LinkedIn, open-access journals, personal website). Examples with you as the primary author (i.e., you completed most of the data analysis and writing) are strongly preferred. At least two examples of a technical report or research article should be included (preferably environmental monitoring topics); plain language writing, tutorials, or other materials may be included.
Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.
For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications . Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
