Environmental Scientist

About the role

Do you have a desire to work to reduce waste and help protect the health and well-being of California's people and environment? Do you have the knowledge and skills to perform scientific, analytical and technical work to help affected parties achieve "compliance through assistance"? In the Local Assistance and Market Development Branch (LAMD) staff are CalRecycle's field representatives, delivering the department's vision to inspire and challenge Californians to achieve the highest waste reduction, recycling, and reuse goals in the nation. Additionally, staff play an important role in delivering the department's services and programs to local and regional jurisdictions and providing technical assistance for building comprehensive recycling communities.

Responsibilities

• Assisting local governments, local education agencies, and non-local entities such as state and federal agencies in achieving statutorily mandated waste diversion goals
• Educating, motivating and overseeing programs to increase public participation in all aspects of waste reduction, including waste prevention, recycling, and composting in addition to edible food recovery
• Participating on collaborative teams focused on the department's high-priority initiatives
• Performing a mix of independent and team-oriented field work, research, analysis, report writing and correspondence

Pay

• Range A: $4,418.00 - $6,035.00
• Range B: $5,370.00 - $7,350.00
• Range C: $6,796.00 - $9,321.00
• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable

Schedule

• Permanent, Full Time
• Hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, with occasional reports to headquarters for hands-on meetings and/or trainings
• Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office-centered, requiring employees to report to the office at least four days per week
• Position involves travel throughout the state approximately 20% of the time
• 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 headquarter location at their own expense

Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License (CDL) — provide CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application
• State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (submitted electronically through CalCareer Account or hard copy with original signature)
• Clearly indicate RPA 25-314/315 & Position # 835-721-0762-XXX in the "Job Title(s)" section of the Standard State Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copy of transcripts (unofficial or official) demonstrating educational requirements have been met

Qualifications

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (attach letter if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Final Filing Date: 8/1/2026