ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California•Sacramento, CA

53d•Hybrid

About The Position

Please note: This is a repost. If you already applied to the position, you do not need to apply again. 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. 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. Make a difference and help protect California's water! The Watershed Adaptive Management Unit of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (North Coast Regional Water Board) is looking for an Environmental Scientist to help us fulfill our vision - Healthy Watersheds, Effective Regulation, and Strong Partnerships. Job perks include training and career development through our Training Academy, free parking, state holidays, vision and dental benefits, retirement benefits through CalPERS, and wonderful co-workers. Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for teleworking with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position. This position will be located at our Santa Rosa office at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 in the heart of beautiful Sonoma County, which is known for its great restaurants and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Duties: The Environmental Scientist shall oversee the North Coast Regional Water Board's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP), which conducts regional monitoring of physical, chemical, biological, and hydrological parameters to determine surface water quality. Duties include leading the Region's Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Program to implement requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 834 and support the protection of California's aquatic ecosystems and communities from impacts by freshwater harmful algal blooms. Duties require the ability to develop and coordinate multi-agency teams and the ability to conduct complex water quality related scientific work including physical, chemical, biological, and hydrologic data assessments. The incumbent will require strong writing, public speaking, communication, and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of statistical analyses techniques, statistical software, and GIS software. Duties may require travel to remote locations that may exceed eight (8) hours per day and navigation of vigorous terrain under all weather conditions. Select duties are listed below:

Requirements

Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.
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).

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or knowledge of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms and their toxins.
Knowledge of water quality statutes and regulations. Familiarity with the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Clean Water Act, and water quality issues in California.
Experience managing and developing workplans for large projects and/or programs.
Knowledge of the principles of bio stimulatory conditions, watershed management, hydrology, stream morphology, and watershed analysis of multiple land uses and impacts on water quality, fisheries, and other beneficial uses.
Experience leading, designing, and implementing monitoring programs and plans.
Experience in water quality data interpretation, including use of statistical analysis, to determine compliance with Basin Plan Standards.
Experience writing technical reports synthesizing water quality data results.
Experience conducting non-parametric statistical analyses and utilizing statistical and data analysis programs to evaluate water quality data results.
Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management, and the public, and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience building and maintaining partnerships and coordinating the efforts of multiple partners and stakeholders including state, federal, local, and tribal agencies, research organizations, community members, and regulated entities.
Strong organizational and decision-making skills and the ability to set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated experience writing reports and giving presentations to large audiences.
Ability to provide effective, courteous, and timely customer service.
Experience with Microsoft Office software and GIS applications.
Possession of an advanced degree in biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and review water quality monitoring programs, plans, protocols, and data quality assurance documents.
Oversee the North Coast Region's Cyanobacteria Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Monitoring and Response Program.
Track and respond to FHAB reports including conducting field investigations, sampling, lab coordination, database entry, and coordinating with partners on specific response actions.
Develop and maintain internal and external partnerships that promote and ensure the collection of appropriate and scientifically defensible water quality data.
Support the North Coast Regional Water Board Monitoring Coordinator to develop a Long-Term Monitoring Framework that guides monitoring protocol and priorities in the North Coast region.
Use non-parametric statistical analysis and statistical and data analysis programs to evaluate water quality data.
Develop written technical reports and factsheets, develop maps using GIS, conduct presentations, develop and manage grants and/or contracts, and participate in the development of statewide plans and policies.
Implement the North Coast Regional Water Board's Racial Equity Action Plan.
Conduct outreach and education.