Job Description

Job Description and Duties

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 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. E mployees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved

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 The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights Enforcement Section has an opening for one Environmental Scientist (ES) position. The position will be located at 1001 I Street, 14 Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation. 

Duties: Under the direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist, the incumbent will review water right files and the Division’s electronic Water Rights database for assigned water right projects to obtain an understanding of diversion works.   The incumbent will be required to manipulate water right data, downloaded from CalWATRS or other web-based portals, via spreadsheet for use in water availability determinations, complaints, or other enforcement related activities. Incumbent will also be required to contact water right holders to schedule inspections and conduct field investigations for compliance with water right terms and conditions as necessary. 

Inspection related activities include but are not limited to identifying current status of water use and conditions of the place of use and point of diversion; verify compliance to any water shortage notice; inspect pumps and related diversion infrastructure and potential installation of water stage surveillance equipment.  Incumbent will interview water right holder to gather additional information necessary to verify compliance with the right terms and conditions or a temporary water shortage notice.  Such information may include: the last date water was used, plans for future water use and alternative water supplies available. Incumbents will measure or estimate the inflows into reservoirs, and flows entering and leaving the place of use; take photographs of diversion facilities and place of use; and gather GPS positions of important project facilities, when appropriate. 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 25-300-058 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Environmental Scientist list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam:

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential’s evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: .

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specifications.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for 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 negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. and

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial size 12 pt. font, and normal margins.

1. Describe a time when you were required to analyze historical data or records to resolve an environmental issue. What steps did you take to ensure accuracy and completeness in your review, and how did your attention to detail impact the outcome?
2. This position involves evaluating geospatial data and developing maps. Please provide examples of your experience using ArcGIS or similar GIS platforms. If you have coding experience (e.g., Python, R, SQL), explain how you have used it to enhance your GIS work or environmental analyses.
3. Give an example of a situation where you identified a problem or opportunity for improvement in your work environment without being directed to do so. What actions did you take, and what was the result?

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

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 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.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
• Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.

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