Senior Environmental Scientist

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply. The Hazard Mitigation Section consists of a team of dedicated and passionate professionals focused on increasing resiliency and reducing risk to lives and property throughout California. The Hazard Mitigation Section consists of two branches: the Hazard Mitigation Assistance branch and Resilience branch. Four divisions (Hazard Mitigation Quality Assurance, Hazard Mitigation Grants, Technical Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Planning) and eleven units make up the section. The Hazard Mitigation Section, within the Recovery Directorate, supports the Cal OES mission and strategic plan through the planning, development, and implementation of mitigation-focused projects. The section is responsible for technical assistance to state and local jurisdictions to assist them in developing mitigation plans and projects that will advance resilient infrastructure and communities. The section conducts mitigation outreach and education and technical assistance to communities in relation to state and federal mitigation programs. The section is responsible for the programmatic and environmental review of associated projects. Mitigation staff frequently interact with stakeholders from Local, State, Tribal, Federal, community-based organizations, and private sector agencies. This collaborative section strives to create innovative and accessible plans that reduce the risk to lives, property, and the environment throughout the state. Under the general direction of the Program Manager II of the Technical Assistance Division, the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Specialist) provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance to support integration of climate and environmental science data into program decisions. The SES is responsible for leading the coordination and outreach to internal and external organizations relating to reviews of new science for integration into programs and project designs for the implementation of work program objectives supporting projects in the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program; and other related programs at the state and federal levels. The SES will be a resource for the various programs within the Section and may act as the lead of multidisciplinary teams of Environmental Planners, Emergency Services Coordinators, and Associate Governmental Program Analysts to achieve the goals of the section. Specifically, the SES will support development of subapplication proposals in the various HMA grant programs by reviewing proposals, ensuring that projects are using best available data in planning and design to maximize resiliency and enable the projects to withstand a wider range of hazards expected to occur in California, while preserving environmental, biological, cultural, and historic resources. The incumbent will coordinate and provide technical assistance and review of pending state-and FEMA HMA-funded grant awards to determine whether the proposed projects follow state and federal programmatic regulations, design best practices, align with hazard-specific environmental compliance, as well as direct and provide outreach and technical assistance for project development in alignment with state and federal mitigation grant programs. This position may require extensive travel across the State, including overnight stays to conduct field/site visits. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement . Working Conditions This position is located in the Recovery Directorate, State Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Unit in Mather. Hybrid Telework : This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need. Conflict of Interest (COI) : This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) Additional Documents Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-508061 Position #(s): 163-556-0765-001 Working Title: Senior Environmental Scientist Classification: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of Positions: 1 Work Location: Sacramento County Telework: Hybrid Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Department Information The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California. Cal OES is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees. In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites. The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process. The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections - Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Recovery personnel are responsible for assisting in the management of statewide disaster recovery efforts, as well as assisting agricultural communities, businesses, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, local governments and special districts impacted by disasters. More information may be found here: Recovery Directorate | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Department Website: Special Requirements Application Package Requirements To have your application considered for this job opportunity: List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the "EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING" section on the State Application, STD. 678. List your most current employment history first in the "EMPLOYMENT HISTORY" section on the STD. 678. Provide the "From" and "To" dates with the month, day and year, the "Hours Per Week" that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours. You must complete the "DUTIES PERFORMED" on the State Application ( do not note "see attached resume" in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete. SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter. Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service. If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency. NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail. A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.We encourage applicants to apply electronically.Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 3/17/2026 Who May Apply 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 (please attach your 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). How To Apply Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below: Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Recruitment Attn: HR Unit - AL 3650 Schriever Ave Mather , CA 95655 Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Human Resources HR Unit - AL 10370 Peter A McCuen Boulevard Mather , CA 95655 Please drop off at HR Window; Second Floor. This excludes holidays and weekends. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM Required Application Package Documents The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job: Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required. Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) section at the bottom of this job bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Question(s). Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal and state environmental regulations, including NEPA, CEQA, and related environmental and historic preservation requirements, in support of planning, infrastructure, or hazard mitigation projects Experience leading or coordinating environmental review and compliance activities for complex projects, including preparation, review, and quality control of environmental documentation and technical analyses Proven ability to resolve complex environmental, permitting, or compliance issues, exercising independent judgment and developing practical, defensible solutions in coordination with regulatory agencies and project partners Experience coordinating and consulting with multiple stakeholders, including federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, as well as external partners, on environmental and historic preservation compliance matters Knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques, field assessment methods, or site evaluation practices, including conducting or overseeing site visits and environmental assessments Familiarity with hazard mitigation planning, climate adaptation, or resilience-focused projects, including integration of environmental compliance requirements throughout the project lifecycle Experience providing technical assistance, training, or mentorship related to environmental compliance processes, regulatory interpretation, or environmental planning Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or spatial data tools as applied to environmental analysis, planning, or decision-making Background or education in biological sciences, environmental science, or a closely related field, including experience evaluating biological, cultural, or natural resource impacts Possession of, or eligibility for, State of California or federal environmental certifications or access credentials relevant to environmental or historic preservation review (e.g., SOI qualifications, CHRIS access), or demonstrated experience working under such authorities Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following: Free Parking On-site Gym and Locker room Electric Carport Excellent CalPERS state pension plan 401(k) and 457(b) Plans Flexible Schedules Generous paid time off Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family Investment in careers development Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process. Department Website: Human Resources Contact: HR Unit - AL (916) 845-8321 Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office. EEO Contact: EEO Officer (916) 845-8527 California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. Statement of Qualifications All applicants must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Failure to include an SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A resume in lieu of the SOQ responses may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration. Please review the Duty Statement and the Desirable Qualifications for this position. SOQ FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS : The SOQ shall be no more than two pages, double-spaced in 12-point Arial font. PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING : Describe 1-2 specific examples where you were involved with interpretation of environmental regulations/requirements on a project, with focus on hazard mitigation-related activities, if possible. You must describe the project or initiative, your role, the stakeholders you consulted/coordinated with, any challenges/issues encountered, what you did to overcome any challenges/issues and the outcome. For assistance in uploading documents, including the SOQ, you may want to consider watching the following video from CalHR's Training Catalog: Upload SOQ to your Application Package Exam & Additional Information To obtain list eligibility please click on the link below: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) EXAM-4287 Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) (LEAP) EXAM-4288 Training and Development (T&D) : T&D assignments are temporary assignments to provide an employee training and experience to move to a different occupational field. A T&D assignment is a formal agreement between the employee, the current supervisor, and the new supervisor. The duration of agreements can vary in length but shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months. The duration may also be the length of experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications. Please note they are only available to current California State employees who have permanent status. Personal Leave Program (PLP) : Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Created: 2026-03-06