Environmental Scientist

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials. Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher levels.

About the role

CalRecycle’s Waste Tire Enforcement Section is seeking multiple Environmental Scientists to perform field inspections at waste tire facilities, determine violations, and take appropriate enforcement actions against non-compliant sites. Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist will perform a variety of responsible professional scientific office and field work, including:

• Public health, environmental, and natural resource management analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies
• Writing final reports and preparing regulatory and compliance documents
• Enforcing environmental laws and regulations
• Preparing non-routine correspondence and answering non-routine questions from the public
• Other related duties to implement CalRecycle’s statewide Waste Tire Enforcement Program

This position conducts field inspections throughout California and requires regular travel up to 50% of the time, by car and plane, including single or multi-night trips. Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office-centered, requiring employees to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework, subject to eligibility criteria and future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL)
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including overnight stays
• Meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification

Pay

• Environmental Scientist A: $4,418.00 - $6,035.00 per month
• Environmental Scientist B: $5,370.00 - $7,350.00 per month
• Environmental Scientist C: $6,796.00 - $9,321.00 per month

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 work may be available under eligibility criteria.

Department Information

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse, and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions.

Department Website