Environmental Scientist

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 479053 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 06/09/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Make a difference and help protect California’s water! The Watershed Adaptive Management Unit of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (North Coast Regional Water Board) is looking for an Environmental Scientist to help us fulfill our vision - Healthy Watersheds, Effective Regulation, and Strong Partnerships. Job perks include training and career development through our Training Academy, free parking, state holidays, vision and dental benefits, retirement benefits through CalPERS, and wonderful co-workers. Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for teleworking with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position. This position will be located at our Santa Rosa office at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 in the heart of beautiful Sonoma County, which is known for its great restaurants and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.

Duties: The Environmental Scientist shall oversee the North Coast Regional Water Board’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP), which conducts regional monitoring of physical, chemical, biological, and hydrological parameters to determine surface water quality. Duties include leading the Region’s Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Program to implement requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 834 and support the protection of California’s aquatic ecosystems and communities from impacts by freshwater harmful algal blooms. Duties require the ability to develop and coordinate multi-agency teams and the ability to conduct complex water quality related scientific work including physical, chemical, biological, and hydrologic data assessments. The incumbent will require strong writing, public speaking, communication, and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of statistical analyses techniques, statistical software, and GIS software. Duties may require travel to remote locations that may exceed eight (8) hours per day and navigation of vigorous terrain under all weather conditions.
 

Select duties are: Develop and review water quality monitoring programs, plans, protocols, and data quality assurance documents, oversee the North Coast Region’s Cyanobacteria Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Monitoring and Response Program, track and respond to FHAB reports including conducting field investigations, sampling, lab coordination, database entry, and coordinating with partners on specific response actions, develop and maintain internal and external partnerships that promote and ensure the collection of appropriate and scientifically defensible water quality data, support the North Coast Regional Water Board Monitoring Coordinator to develop a Long-Term Monitoring Framework that guides monitoring protocol and priorities in the North Coast region, use non-parametric statistical analysis and statistical and data analysis programs to evaluate water quality data, develop written technical reports and factsheets, develop maps using GIS, conduct presentations, develop and manage grants and/or contracts, and participate in the development of statewide plans and policies, implement the North Coast Regional Water Board’s Racial Equity Action Plan, conduct outreach and education.

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.

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.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month