SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)

State of California•Sacramento, CA

43d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Water Resources Control Board's Office of Research, Planning and Performance has an opening for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) to lead the Emergency Management Unit. Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a real difference in protecting California's most vital resource-water. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of statewide emergency response and environmental resilience, leading efforts that safeguard water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies. You'll collaborate with dedicated professionals across state, federal, and local agencies, help shape policies that guide California's future, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect communities and watersheds. During emergency activations, duties may require work at the State Operations Center, State Agency Emergency Operation Center (EOC)'s or local EOC's or other locations to provide assistance in emergency management and recovery activities. Work weekends, holidays, extended and rotating shifts (day/night). Duties may require travel to remote locations that may exceed eight (8) hours per day and navigation of vigorous terrain under all weather conditions.

Requirements

Must have Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.
RPA# 25-240-023 in the "Examination or Job Title(s)" section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
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).
Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred.
Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application.
Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered.
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.
Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with emergency management systems, including the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Knowledge and experience coordinating emergency response and recovery activities, including planning, training, exercising, and after-action reporting.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, organize, and direct complex, multi-agency projects or programs under tight deadlines.
Knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidance related to environmental or emergency management programs.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with state, local, and federal agencies, including CalEPA, CalOES, and regional partners, to achieve shared goals.
Understanding of racial equity and environmental justice principles, and application of principles to research, data analysis, and policy development.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefing materials, and presentations for diverse audiences such as executive leadership, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to analyze complex technical, policy, and legislative issues and provide sound, science-based recommendations.
Ability to work effectively under pressure in high-stakes situations, demonstrating sound judgment, composure, and decisiveness during emergencies.
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools used to support decision-making during emergency response and recovery.

Responsibilities

Lead the Water Boards' Emergency Management Program, oversee preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for wildfires, floods, droughts, and other statewide emergencies.
Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary staff to coordinate across Water Board programs and with CalEPA, Cal OES, federal partners, tribes, and local agencies.
Develop best management practices and technical guidance for post-wildfire debris flow recovery, emergency declarations, and climate-related events.
Represent the Water Boards at briefings, workshops, community meetings, and tribal consultations, including outreach to underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Create and deliver emergency communication materials, reports, training resources, and cross-training tools to improve statewide information sharing and readines
Advise leadership on emergency management policies, procedures, legislative issues, and water-quality-related emergency strategies.
Lead emergency management training exercises, strengthening interagency coordination and operational capability.

Benefits

Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees.
Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume