Do you have a passion to perform a variety of scientific, analytical, and technical assistance duties to implement enforcement requirements and assist with program analysis of compliance policies for Product Stewardship Compliance Branch? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to join our talented team that is passionate to work in the Product Stewardship Compliance programs!
Position Description:
Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager II (Supervisory) (EPM II) in the Product Stewardship Compliance Branch, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will act as a lead technical expert on the product stewardship compliance programs. The incumbent performs difficult, complex, sensitive scientific and technical duties related to CalRecycle’s product stewardship compliance, including environmental and materials management research, analyses, investigations, and enforcement. The incumbent utilizes principles of scientific research, physical and environmental sciences, and statistical analysis, along with expertise in integrated waste management, industry economics, public health, and resource management. Responsibilities include assessing and enforcing regulations, reviewing and analyzing technical documents, evaluating operations and monitoring records, and conducting inspections and compliance assessments. The incumbent is responsible for determining the significance of violations and their general effect on public health, safety, environmental justice, and the environment for the program. Key duties include providing training and mentoring of staff in the determination of compliance with state minimum standards, offering technical expertise on evaluation and enforcement matters; reviewing findings and reports for technical adequacy; and ensuring that enforcement information in the Department’s databases has been accurately input by staff. Additional duties include process development, monitoring, and evaluation to support various functions of the branch. The incumbent will independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct investigations and studies that yield information and recommendations to improve the department’s oversight of product stewardship compliance programs. Additionally, the incumbent will play a key role in the development and implementation of new enforcement programs related to products with extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship requirements.
This position involves traveling throughout California involving multiple, consecutive days away from the office and overnight stays. The incumbent must have a current California Driver’s License and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense. Beginning July 1st, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
The EPA headquarters building offices in downtown Sacramento are well-lit, enclosed, non-windowed office cubicles in a smoke-free environment. The 40-hour work week schedule is typically dayshift, Monday through Friday. Office and field work includes, on a regular basis, writing and reviewing inspection reports and notices, contact with the regulated community by way of in-person, phone and video conferencing, preparation and review of other documents and internet research. Overnight travel may be required locally and within the state. The job occasionally requires you to perform field inspections, hear vehicles and alarms or other audible signals of possible risk.
