Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor (JC-499476)

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 499476 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 12/8/2025. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

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.

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.

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Research, Planning and Performance has an opening for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) to lead the Emergency Management Unit.  Working at the Water Boards offers the opportunity to make a real difference in protecting California’s most vital resource—water. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of statewide emergency response and environmental resilience, leading efforts that safeguard water quality during wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies. You’ll collaborate with dedicated professionals across state, federal, and local agencies, help shape policies that guide California’s future, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect communities and watersheds.

During emergency activations, duties may require work at the State Operations Center, State Agency Emergency Operation Center (EOC)’s or local EOC’s or other locations to provide assistance in emergency management and recovery activities.  Work weekends, holidays, extended and rotating shifts (day/night). Duties may require travel to remote locations that may exceed eight (8) hours per day and navigation of vigorous terrain under all weather conditions.

• Lead the Water Boards’ Emergency Management Program, oversee preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for wildfires, floods, droughts, and other statewide emergencies.
• Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary staff to coordinate across Water Board programs and with CalEPA, Cal OES, federal partners, tribes, and local agencies.
• Develop best management practices and technical guidance for post-wildfire debris flow recovery, emergency declarations, and climate-related events.
• Represent the Water Boards at briefings, workshops, community meetings, and tribal consultations, including outreach to underserved and disadvantaged communities.
• Create and deliver emergency communication materials, reports, training resources, and cross-training tools to improve statewide information sharing and readines
• Advise leadership on emergency management policies, procedures, legislative issues, and water-quality–related emergency strategies.
• Lead emergency management training exercises, strengthening interagency coordination and operational capability.
   

The position is located at 1001 I Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

Job type: Full-Time

$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 Per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.