To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 512681 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: CalCareers

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 4/20/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Are you looking for a fulfilling career in water quality protection? The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (San Diego Water Board) has an opening for an Environmental Scientist in the Source Control Regulation Unit. The position location is 2375 Northside Drive, San Diego, CA 92108.

Under the direction of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer and consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State Water Resources Control Board Strategic Plan and the San Diego Water Board’s Practical Vision, the incumbent will perform professional scientific work pertaining primarily to 1) the regulation of wastewater and stormwater discharges, and 2) assessments of their impacts to receiving waters. The incumbent is expected to apply scientific methods and principles in performing these duties. Specific job duties and responsibilities are described in the Duty Statement.

The incumbent will review and evaluate water quality data and other monitoring results to determine the chemical and biological integrity of receiving waters; develop and coordinate monitoring and reporting programs for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits; ensure consistency with relevant water quality plans and policies, and applicable laws and regulations; recommend priorities, goals, and work realignment based on water quality conditions, trends, and the key beneficial uses and key areas designated most important for protection and restoration; work collaboratively with other staff and the regulated community; prepare written documents for consideration by the San Diego Water Board; represent the San Diego Water Board before other boards, agencies, and groups; and provide presentations before the San Diego Water Board and others concerning San Diego Water Board activities.

The incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal staff and external stakeholders, follow through on commitments, and solicit and consider internal/external input when completing work assignments.

Duties: 

Consistent with the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, San Diego Region’s (San Diego Water Board) Practical Vision, perform scientific technical work and develop solutions pertaining to the regulation of wastewater and stormwater discharges, including wastewater and stormwater discharges related to transboundary flows, under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater program and other related programs and control of water pollution from point and nonpoint sources.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

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 accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.  Proof of residency may be required.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

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.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.