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 513720 to locate the job posting and apply.
Link: CalCareers
Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 4/17/2026. 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.
If you are interested in meaningful work to protect California’s surface and groundwaters then apply today and join our team! The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is recruiting for a full-time, permanent Environmental Scientist in its Forestry-Dredge and Fill Unit (FDF) in the South Lake Tahoe office, located at 2501 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The Lahontan Region covers 24% of the State of California, from the Oregon border to the Mojave Desert, and from the crest of the Sierra Nevada east to the Nevada border. The FDF is responsible for implementing the Forestry Activities Program and the Dredge and Fill Program throughout the Lahontan region.
Duties:
Under the direct supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer (Supervisory) in the Forestry/Dredge & Fill Unit, the Environmental Scientist (ES) will work with technical and administrative staff in both the South Lake Tahoe and Victorville Offices. Consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State and Regional Water Board’s Strategic Plan, the ES is expected to be courteous and to provide timely responses to internal and external customers, to follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal and external customer input when completing work assignments.
The ES will apply scientific methods and principles necessary for the protection of water quality within the Lahontan Region. Responsibilities will include such activities as drafting permits, providing technical expertise, evaluating and assisting in the drafting of environmental documents, making policy recommendations, and performing sensitive assignments related to water quality issues and protection throughout the Lahontan Region. Evaluate and regulate the impacts of logging operations and other forest practices on the quality and beneficial uses of water. Coordinate with the federal land management agencies (US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in reviewing Timber Harvest Plans (THPs), Working Forest Management Plans (WFMPs), Non-Industrial Timber Management Plans (NTMPs), utility corridor vegetation management plans, and timber harvest exemptions.
Review and regulate proposed projects that may affect water quality of waters of the state to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan), Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Conduct fieldwork related to natural resource management and site assessments and investigations, including use of GIS and water quality sampling, data collection, and determinations of wetlands and sensitive water bodies. Prepare CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and/or Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for project compliance with regulatory requirements. Permits may be developed for a variety of project types, including but not limited to, construction projects, bridges, piers, grading operations, utility corridor vegetation management, aquatic habitat restoration, marina dredging, invasive species removal, riparian enhancement, and enforcement related requirements. Work with a variety of stakeholders and partners to address California wildfires and forest resiliency approaches. Write reports and prepare Power Point presentations and presents to a variety of audiences.
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.
