Job Description

Job Description and Duties

CalRecycle is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join the Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach, where the incumbent will help strengthen the department’s efforts to support California Native American tribes, disadvantaged communities, low-income populations, farmworkers, and youth. Under the direction of an Environmental Program Manager, the scientist applies scientific, analytical, and field-based expertise to evaluate how CalRecycle programs impact these communities and integrates environmental justice and tribal priorities into statewide policies and initiatives. This position plays a key role in identifying opportunities to expand program participation, reduce environmental burdens, and enhance community benefits across CalRecycle programs. The Environmental Scientist conducts technical analyses using available data, including community science data, and performs on-site field visits to observe conditions firsthand and deepen understanding of local needs. The role collaborates closely with internal teams to strengthen grant programs, inform equitable access strategies, and support the design of outreach approaches to better integrate community and tribal priorities. The incumbent reviews CalRecycle programs, policies, and regulations to ensure consistency in the integration of environmental justice considerations and develops staff training and guidance to support departmentwide adoption of these practices.Community-centered engagement is a core part of the position. The Environmental Scientist plans and conducts outreach to tribes and community organizations, builds relationships with local partners, and helps inform youth-focused environmental education and professional development initiatives. The role also includes participation in meetings, trainings, and conferences to maintain scientific expertise and support continuous program improvement. The position requires periodic statewide travel, regular use of a computer in an office setting.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The incumbent works in a high-rise office building in an enclosed, non-windowed office cubicle in a smoke-free environment. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Mandatory overtime, including evening and weekend work, may be necessary during the year end closing process or when the department is mission tasked. Travel may be required locally and within the state.

Special Requirements

• 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 25-256 & Position # 835-207-0762-002 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.
• If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or 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.
• 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:

• Proficiency in environmental science principles, with emphasis on environmental justice concerns.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams, including multidisciplinary staff, community partners, and tribal or stakeholder groups.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, both in writing and through presentations.
• Ability to produce high-quality work products that clearly and concisely convey scientific findings, conclusions, and concepts.
• Experience with environmental education programs, including youth-focused or community-based initiatives.
• Experience managing grants or contracts, including development, review, monitoring, or implementation of funded projects.

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. 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 - Please see Statement of Qualifications instruction below. 

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Afternoon shift

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