Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Job Code #: JC-51840 | Position #: 835-813-0765-001

About the Role

CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to join the Product Stewardship Compliance Branch. Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager II, this role acts as a lead technical expert on product stewardship compliance programs, performing complex scientific and technical duties related to environmental and materials management research, analyses, investigations, and enforcement.

This position involves traveling throughout California, including multiple consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. A valid California Driver’s License is required, and participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program is mandatory.

This is a hybrid telework-eligible position for applicants residing in California, subject to telework eligibility criteria. Beginning July 1, 2026, the position will transition to office-centered, requiring in-office work at least four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Perform scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies.
• Act as a lead technical expert on product stewardship compliance programs, utilizing principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, and statistical analysis.
• Assess and enforce regulations, review and analyze technical documents, evaluate operations and monitoring records, and conduct inspections and compliance assessments.
• Determine the significance of violations and their impact on public health, safety, environmental justice, and the environment.
• Provide training and mentoring to staff on compliance with state minimum standards and offer technical expertise on evaluation and enforcement matters.
• Review findings and reports for technical adequacy and ensure accurate input of enforcement information into department databases.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate processes to support branch functions, including identifying problems, developing courses of action, and conducting investigations and studies.
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of new enforcement programs related to extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship requirements.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL) with required details (number, class, expiration date, endorsements/restrictions) provided during application.
• Ability to travel throughout California, including overnight stays.
• Proficiency in principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, statistical analysis, integrated waste management, industry economics, public health, and resource management.
• Experience in environmental and materials management research, compliance investigations, and enforcement.

Qualifications

• Current classification in the role, eligibility for lateral transfer, reinstatement, list or LEAP eligibility, or SROA/Surplus eligibility (priority given to SROA/Surplus candidates).
• Meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification for Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist).
• Submit a completed State Examination/Employment Application (STD Form 678) and required documents, including transcripts (unofficial or official) to verify educational requirements.

Pay

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Department Information

CalRecycle brings together California’s recycling and waste management programs to advance a circular economy. The department’s mission is to protect California’s environment and climate by reducing waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and transitioning from a disposable to a fully circular economy. CalRecycle values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where employees from varied backgrounds thrive and contribute to innovative solutions.

For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.