Environmental Scientist

~ California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state's recycling and waste management programs and continues a tradition of environmental stewardship. ~

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels. Our state leads the nation with an approximate 65 percent diversion rate for all materials, and today recycling supports more than 140,000 green jobs in California.

CalRecycle's vision is to inspire and challenge Californians to achieve the highest waste reduction, recycling and reuse goals in the nation. Through innovation and creativity, sound advancements in science and technology, and efficient programs that improve economic vitality and environmental sustainability, we build a stronger California.

For more on our programs, please read the What We Do page, or see our CalRecycle brochure, also available in a Spanish-language version.

Position Overview

The Environmental Scientist position is in the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Evaluation Unit. Under the general direction of the Supervising Integrated Waste Management Specialist I, the ES participates in implementing the local enforcement agency certification/tire enforcement agency (TEA) Grant and evaluation programs, and matters related to evaluation outcomes related to the solid waste/waste tire programs.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will assist the Division in the audit of the LEA/TEA’s permitting, inspection and enforcement programs and records as well as the evaluation of the LEA/TEAs certification/grant and/or maintenance, including: the assessment of staff technical expertise and the programs ability to fulfill and apply the public health and environmental protection standards.
• During the audits, the incumbent reviews solid waste facilities’ or tire permits, technical documents, operations and monitoring records and determines the significance of LEA/TEA deviations from the duty requirements and their general effect on public health, safety and the environment within the authority of the LEA/TEA; assess corrective actions taken by the LEA/TEA to determine if they adequately protected the public health and safety of the environment within the authority of the LEA/TEA; assess the plans to carry out the LEA/TEA requirements, and complex technical programs as needed.
• Evaluation recommendations include technical training needs, administrative change, major restructuring and reorganization of LEA/TEA or to bring its programs in line with statutes and regulations.
• The incumbent participates in CalRecycle forums, workgroups and special projects as related to the Enforcement Agency Evaluation Unit and CalRecycle’s overall priorities.

Qualifications

• The incumbent should possess a Science or related 4 year college degree, be familiar with Enforcement Agency roles and responsibilities and experience with working with solid waste/waste tire facility owners/operators, facility operations, local and/or state agencies and/or the public.
• Familiarity with the CalRecycle's regulatory programs in regards to solid waste facilities.
• Experience developing and writing guidance documents and providing technical assistance.
• Experience evaluating and analyzing compliance with standards/regulations, writing memos, and/or letters.
• Ability to be a team player and work in a team environment. 
• Position includes travel.

Compensation: $3,493.00 - $6,679.00

~ 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. ~