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 509242 to locate the job posting and apply.
Link: CalCareers
Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 3/18/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.
Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
Please note: this position is paid on an hourly basis and limited to 1500 hours in a rolling year. The salary range for Scientific Aid is $18.26 – $21.67 per hour.
The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Quality is seeking a Scientific Aid to join our team in the Sustainable Water Plans and Policies II Section. The position is located at 1001 I Street, 15th Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations, other public transportation, restaurants and more.
As part of the Recycled Water and Desalination Unit, the incumbent will support the development and implementation of statewide water quality plans, policies, and strategic initiatives related to the fields of recycled water and desalination.
The incumbent will work in a dynamic team and learn policies, procedures, and techniques of the State Water Board to address water quality issues while advancing water supply reliability and sustainability as part of a comprehensive response to climate change. The incumbent is expected to communicate effectively, accept direction, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, accurately analyze situations, and reason logically.
Duties:
The Scientific Aid conducts scientific and technical work to support the Unit in implementing the Water Quality Control Policy for Recycled Water (Recycled Water Policy), the Recycled Water Research Program, and advancing the use of desalinated brackish groundwater as a water supply while protecting human health and the environment. The Scientific Aid is required to work independently, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and solicit and consider input when completing work assignments.
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
$18.26 – $21.67 Per Hour
The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.
