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 511902 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: CalCareers

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 4/14/2026. 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.

The Santa Ana Water Board’s Division of Regional Planning, Permitting, and TMDLs Development & Implementation (MS4), has openings for two (2) Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) positions in the Special Projects Unit. The positions are located at 3737 Main Street, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501 right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

The incumbent should have the general knowledge of the following:

• Knowledge of the Water Board’s regulatory, enforcement, and administrative programs
• Knowledge of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), salt and nutrient management plans (SNMP), regional planning, surface water protection and restoration programs
• Knowledge of the California Water Code and the federal Clean Water Act
• Knowledge of statewide policies and plans adopted by the State Water Board
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional staff
• Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel within California on a regular basis
• Knowledge of general water quality monitoring protocols including design, quality assurance, data analysis, compliance monitoring and reporting, and data needs for effective water quality management and decision making
• Ability to work cooperatively and promote partnerships with internal/external customers, including the public, media, and governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations

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

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00 per Month

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