This is a Limited Term (LT) assignment for up to 12 months which may be extended to 24 months and may become permanent.
This position offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to conduct scientific studies addressing aquatic ecology issues in the San Francisco Estuary and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent will serve as a technical expert and lead investigator for water quality and biological studies, supporting compliance monitoring programs, quality management, and special studies. These efforts are essential for initiatives related to State Water Project operations, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife Incidental Take Permit, the State Water Resources Control Board Water Right Decision 1641, and the Interagency Ecological Program. The role involves designing and proposing studies, conducting complex statistical analyses, and synthesizing existing water quality and ecological datasets to identify and better understand the drivers of biological trends. The incumbent will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate scientific findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional conferences. In addition to research and analysis, the position includes fiscal and administrative responsibilities, such as developing and managing contracts to support program objectives. The individual will work cooperatively with project work teams to foster collaboration and ensure effective implementation of monitoring and research activities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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-464031
Position #(s):
840-330-0765-008
Working Title:
Water Quality Scientist
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,556.00 - $10,221.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Facility:
Mailing Address
Department Information Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Ecosystem Monitoring, Research, & Reporting Branch, Environmental Monitoring & Systems Science Section, Water Quality Science & Synthesis Unit, West Sacramento
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around +diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers .
Special Requirements All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Possession of valid California driver's license.
This position is office-centered which means the incumbent works more than fifty percent of their time monthly in the office.
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: 2/12/2025
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.
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento , CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 required and must be included.
- Other - Cover Letter
- Other - Supplemental Questionnaire - See Special Instructions for details.
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:
Seeking candidates with demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams, coordinating complex projects, and managing budgets and contracts. Successful candidates will have a proven track record in authoring technical reports and publishing peer-reviewed journal articles. Advanced knowledge of water quality, aquatic ecology, and applied statistics is essential. Candidates must possess strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings clearly and effectively. A collaborative approach to science is critical, as the role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience with quality assurance and quality control processes for data collection, analysis, and repo rting is highly desirable to ensure the accuracy and integrity of scientific data and studies.
Benefits DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.
Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:
Flexible Work Hours
Free Parking
Telework Opportunities
Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
Paid Sick & Vacation
Retirement
Basic Group Term Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
11 Paid Holidays
401(k) & 457 plans
Student Loan Forgiveness
Long Term Care
Group Legal Services
We are located in West Sacramento right off Highway 50 close to shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.
This position offers excellent work-life balance with an emphasis on career growth and professional development opportunities!
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Contact Information The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Gareth Johnson
(916) 882-0989
DISE_HR@water.ca.gov
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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
weo@water.ca.gov
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.
Special Instructions To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Cover Letter, Resume, and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50055061 and Job Control #464031 in the "examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying" section of your application.
Please complete the following supplemental question(s) and identify a reference who can verify your knowledge and/or experience. If you do not have experience regarding the question asked, then include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function. Please use paragraph formatting and limit your response to no more than 2 pages (Calibri 12 pt font, 1" margins).
- Discuss your work-related experience associated with the development, organization, and implementation of scientific studies in water quality, lower trophic food webs, or other areas relevant to phytoplankton ecology. Include a description of the purpose of the studies, nexus to natural resource management if applicable, statistical analyses performed, and the final product.
The follow basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.
Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Exam/Assessment Info For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To learn more about how to get a State job, click here .
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPEC)
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.
