Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your skills and talents to protecting the environment? Are you a go-getter and interested in spill response? If yes, then please apply for this position at the Water Pollution Control Laboratory, located along the American River in Rancho Cordova.
The hired individual will provide scientific support to regional scientific and law enforcement staff for non-petroleum spill response. Support includes providing expertise regarding initial investigations, containment and cleanup of spilled contaminants, potential effects of spilled contaminants in the environment, and interpretation of laboratory data for determination of biological significance of spilled contaminants. Duties also include developing training and drill opportunities for non-petroleum spill responders and physically responding to non-petroleum spills as requested or when spill circumstances require.
The incumbent will also represent the Department as a statewide expert on interagency committees for water quality, spill planning, and emergency spill response issues.
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)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions This position requires the incumbent to perform field work that may include hiking or climbing in areas with moderate slopes, unpaved surfaces, undeveloped roads, docks, levees, and other structures located adjacent to waterways; to conduct field work for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions; operate vehicles on public roadways and/or in remote areas; travel throughout California to conduct field work and/or attend meetings, which may require overnight stays.
OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position can be required to participate in prevention and response training, drills and incidents throughout California, and to be available to deploy/travel with short notice for extended periods of time (up to 7 days).
Occasional travel may be required within the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include multiple days of overnight stay, up to seven (7) days dependent upon departmental need.
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-508236
Position #(s):
565-071-0765-905
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (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
Department Information Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.
California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.
Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Special Requirements Ability to elevate at least 25 pounds.
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: 3/6/2026
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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
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:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento , CA 94244
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
Knowledge of the environmental fate and transport of contaminants.
Knowledge of principles of environmental toxicology.
Knowledge and experience with the Incident Command System (ICS) used for emergency response.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Joe LaCalle
(909) 229-0036
joseph.lacalle@wildlife.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:
Civil Rights Office
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.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 The completed questionnaire should be no more than two page in length, in 12 pt. Arial font.
Disclaimer: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, can be helpful research aids when developing the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
1. Describe how your education and experience is relevant to the job as described in the duty statement.
2. Describe your knowledge and experience assessing the environmental effects of pollution.
3. Describe your experience analyzing laboratory or field data and preparing interpretative reports.
4. Describe your experience working on teams and coordinating with other agencies.
Filing Instructions You must reference Position Number 565-071-0765-905 and RPA Number E-OSPR 25-008 in 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 https://jobs.ca.gov . 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.
Resume - Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
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.
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
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.
