Environmental Scientist (JC-534879)

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 534879 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: Job Posting | CalCareers 

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 11/3/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Job Description and Duties

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

Do you have a passion for protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources? The Central Coast Water Board is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated Environmental Scientist to join our team in San Luis Obispo, California. In this position, you will play a critical role as our region’s scientific expert on surface water quality issues with a focus on developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and accompanying implementation plans to address the complex impacts of pesticides, nutrients, toxins, and other pollutants to water quality and human health. 

The Environmental Scientist will focus on developing TMDL projects using new or emerging science for pesticides and associated toxicity, nutrients, biological indicators (e.g., bacteria indicators, harmful algal bloom species and associated algal toxins, benthic invertebrate species, bioaccumulation in sport fish and prey fish, etc.), and molecular detection of biological indicators. This position will study the toxicity of pollutants to assess their impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. The Environmental Scientist will also be tasked with reviewing peer-reviewed scientific research and designing novel approaches to develop numeric thresholds for pesticides, nutrients, and other toxic pollutants for TMDLs, planning documents, or other regulatory mechanisms that protect water quality. Applicants with particular interest in pesticides and pesticide-related-toxicity are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The Environmental Scientist will also be responsible for supporting water quality data assessments that inform the federal Clean Water Act section 303(d) List and section 305(b) Report.

At the Central Coast Water Board, we're committed to protecting and improving the water quality in our region. Your work will be critical in helping us achieve our mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources in our region. 

If you're ready to join a dynamic and dedicated team of environmental professionals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity! The position is located at 895 Aerovista Place, suite 101, San Luis Obispo, CA.  

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.

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

Working Conditions

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.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.  Proof of residency may be required.

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.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

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