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Job Description
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Department of Toxic Substances Control
JC-521132
- Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
(SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date:
6/25/2026
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) Job Description and Duties Are you a scientist who is passionate about protecting California from harmful and toxic substances? Are you looking to work in a dynamic and fast-paced job with occasional travel? Join the Office of Criminal Investigations! Our scientists work in a team setting to investigate the most egregious polluters and bring justice to all Californians and the environment. Join us today! As a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) you will have the opportunity to: Serve as scientific lead on the most difficult scientific and technical investigatory work in OCI, independently plan, coordinate, and implement critical and sensitive scientific sampling plans and analyses needed for successful investigations into complex violations of California's Hazardous Waste Control law
Conduct research, gather information and data about scientific properties, procedures, and testing options from a variety of sources including academia, scientific journals, other state laws, regulations and practices, federal government regulators,
Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA) officials and knowledgeable industry sources in order to communicate key findings to relevant parties
Identify key evidential points and issues, analyze research, study applicability to OCI cases and produces timely, clear, concise reports and presentations that recommend to management how to maximize staff resources and instill scientifically sound sampling procedures and testing
Lead or assist investigations relating to major, large, high-profile, multi-media and/or statewide cases involving allegations of violations of the state hazardous waste law that go beyond a solitary case or a single violator
Determine the scope of the enforcement project by identifying the multiple responsible parties/entities and their locations, the multiple government environmental/law enforcement agencies to coordinate with, the common business practices of the targeted industry or industry sector, the typical methods of generation and disposition/treatment of hazardous waste in the targeted sector, and the potential for widespread and repeat offenses in order to pursue comprehensive and appropriate enforcement action
Desirable Qualifications We Look For:
Experience leading complex environmental investigations, inspections or enforcement
Experience in the Environmental Scientist classification or equivalent
Experience interacting with varying stakeholders
Ability to take action independently while using sound judgment
Experience as a team leader and mentoring more inexperienced staff
A passion for protecting the environment and understanding of OCI's role within the Department of Toxic Substances Control You will find additional information about the job in the . Working Conditions Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. A hybrid schedule may be available for this position. Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSC's culture: DTSC - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
(SPECIALIST)
$7,820.00 - $10,732.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of
Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
San Diego Regional Office Department Information This position is located at DTSC's Field office in San Diego, CA. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is a member of the boards, departments, and offices (BDOs) within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).
Our Mission:
To protect California's people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.
Our Vision:
All of California is thriving in a healthy environment.
Our Core Values:
DTSC values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect California's people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products. Join DTSC to improve the lives of all Californians!
DTSC Recruitment Survey:
Click here to complete the DTSC recruitment survey.
Department Website:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/
Special Requirements
The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired. A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for the hiring manager's review. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified. The SOQ should be no more than one (1) page in length, be clearly written and well-organized, contain no more than five (5) grammatical and spelling errors, and Arial font size 12. Your SOQ should address the following: 1. Describe how your education, training and experience have prepared you to be an excellent candidate for this position in the Office of Criminal Investigations. Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
