Environmental Scientist (JC-498960)

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 498960 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 12/15/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Link: CalCareers

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 a 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.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights Enforcement Section has an opening for one Environmental Scientist (ES) position. The position will be located at 1001 I Street, 14 Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation. 

 

Duties: 

Under the direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist, the incumbent will review water right files and the Division’s electronic Water Rights database for assigned water right projects to obtain an understanding of diversion works.   The incumbent will be required to manipulate water right data, downloaded from CalWATRS or other web-based portals, via spreadsheet for use in water availability determinations, complaints, or other enforcement related activities. Incumbent will also be required to contact water right holders to schedule inspections and conduct field investigations for compliance with water right terms and conditions as necessary. 

Inspection related activities include but are not limited to identifying current status of water use and conditions of the place of use and point of diversion; verify compliance to any water shortage notice; inspect pumps and related diversion infrastructure and potential installation of water stage surveillance equipment.  Incumbent will interview water right holder to gather additional information necessary to verify compliance with the right terms and conditions or a temporary water shortage notice.  Such information may include: the last date water was used, plans for future water use and alternative water supplies available. Incumbents will measure or estimate the inflows into reservoirs, and flows entering and leaving the place of use; take photographs of diversion facilities and place of use; and gather GPS positions of important project facilities, when appropriate. 

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.