Environmental Scientist JC-474158

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 474158 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 9/19/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

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 Resources 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.

Are you looking for an exciting position protecting and preserving the state’s water resources? If you enjoy a fast-paced position conducting outdoor inspections at cannabis cultivation sites throughout the state, this may be the position for you! The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Enforcement is looking for an Environmental Scientist (ES) to join the Cannabis Enforcement Unit. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule and is based at 801 K Street, 23rd Floor, Sacramento, in the heart of downtown, next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

The Environmental Scientist in the Cannabis Enforcement Unit conducts inspections and investigations at cannabis cultivation sites statewide. The ES evaluates compliance with statewide regulations and facilitates enforcement actions pursuant to the California Water Code. In this role, the ES uses a variety of investigative techniques and research tools including Geographic Information System (GIS), LandVision, Google Maps, and the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) to produce formal and informal actions. In addition, the ES develops and coordinates clean-up and abatement efforts between the State Water Board, Regional Water Board, state and local partner agencies, and the property owner/responsible party.

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.

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.

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

Job type: Full-Time

$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month

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