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 514098 to locate the job posting and apply.
Link: CalCareers
Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 5/4/2026. 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 Emergency Management Program (EMP) is part of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance (ORPP) within the State Water Resources Control Board’s Executive Office. ORPP staff collaborate across teams and support one another through:
• Rigorous excellence: Bring creativity and curiosity, supported by quality work and sound analysis.
• Accountability: Take ownership, adapt as needed, and deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Lead or support others and seek help when needed.
• Direct, respectful communication that strengthens our work.
• Commitment to equity through inclusive practices and decisions.
Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact protecting California’s vital water resources. EMP is hiring two Environmental Scientists (ES) to support statewide emergency response and environmental resilience. This role contributes to safeguarding water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies while collaborating with state, federal, tribal, and local partners.
During emergency activations, duties may include working at the State Operations Center or other emergency facilities. This may require working weekends, holidays, extended or rotating shifts, and travel to remote locations, including navigating challenging terrain and weather conditions. Candidates must communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure, and work within structured emergency response systems.
The Environmental Scientist will:
• Support preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for statewide emergencies.
• Coordinate with internal programs and external partners.
• Participate in briefings, meetings, outreach, and tribal consultations.
• Develop communication materials, reports, and training resources.
• Provide technical expertise on water quality and permitting needs.
• Support updates to emergency plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist Water Board staff with coordination during emergencies.
• Integrate equity, climate resilience, and the Human Right to Water into planning efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and after-action materials.
Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not have experience in every area listed. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications and have eligibility. Strong candidates will demonstrate accountability, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively in complex environments.
The position is located at 1001 I Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, near light rail and public transportation. This recruitment will fill two vacancies; applicants only need to apply once.
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.
