Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Hazard Mitigation Section consists of a team of dedicated and passionate professionals focused on increasing resiliency and reducing risk to lives and property throughout California. The four divisions within the Hazard Mitigation Section help communities understand the natural hazard risks they face, identify ways to mitigate those risks, access funding to become more resilient, and assess the success of implemented measures. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to reduce the impacts of climate change, support California communities, and reduce disaster losses, this is the team for you!

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, the Senior Environmental Scientist is expected to provide subject matter expertise in identification, research and solution of complex challenges to environmental planning and monitoring as it relates to implementation of the Hazard Mitigation programs at Cal OES. The incumbent is expected to help prepare and review environmental impact reports and other documents to determine the effects of proposed activities on environmental health, answer permitting questions, and assist our communities with the environmental, cultural, and historic preservation review process and implementation of conditions throughout the grant life cycle.

The Hazard Mitigation Section is responsible for technical assistance to state, tribal, and local jurisdictions in devising plans and projects that will advance climate adaptation and equity outcomes to enhance resilience throughout the state of California. Within the Section this position works closely with the Technical Assistance Division and Hazard Mitigation Grants Division to ensure that all proposed projects and pending grant awards are in alignment with the established local and state hazard mitigation plans and are in compliance with federal and state environmental and programmatic regulations and laws.

The Senior Environmental Scientist will take on the most complex environmental reviews for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance; cultural resource reviews, conduct analysis of and make recommendations that support and mitigate environmental impacts; resolve difficult and complex environmental/permitting issues and undertake a variety of actions necessary to implement the Section’s goals and objectives. The Senior Environmental Scientist will coordinate quality control for the grant proposal and project review process to ensure documentation complies with all applicable state and federal programmatic and regulatory requirements as well as direct and provide technical assistance for project and sub-application development in alignment with state and federal mitigation grant programs. This position will help ensure that coordination and consultation with external partner agencies and tribal entities is conducted, as well as conducts training/outreach/mentorship of colleagues to understand consultation processes in the context of hazard mitigation plans, projects, and initiatives.

Members of the Hazard Mitigation Section frequently interact with stakeholders from Local, State, Tribal, Federal, community-based organizations, and private sector agencies and will be expected to provide platinum customer service through community outreach and technical training to all partners. This collaborative position strives to create accessible plans that reduce the risk to lives, property, and the environment throughout the State. The Senior Environmental Scientist is expected to become knowledgeable on the impacts and best management principles concerning methods to mitigate environmental hazards and to assist in resolving difficult and complex environmental issues. This position may require travel across the State, including overnight stays, to conduct field/site visits and environmental assessments. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

**Applications are scheduled to be released to the hiring manager on the following dates:

• January 14, 2026
• January 28, 2026
• February 11, 2026

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Recovery Directorate, Hazard Mitigation Support Unit in Mather.

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need.

DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Conflict of Interest (COI) : This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Special Requirements

Application Package Requirements
To have your application considered for this job opportunity:

• List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the “EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING” section on the State Application, STD. 678.
• List your most current employment history first in the “EMPLOYMENT HISTORY” section on the STD. 678.
• Provide the “From” and “To” dates with the month, day and year, the “Hours Per Week” that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours.
• You must complete the “DUTIES PERFORMED” on the State Application ( do not note “see attached resume” in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete.
• SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter.
• Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service.

If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.

**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.**

**All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.**

**We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualifications to assist with biological, cultural, etc. resources technical assistance and recommendations
• Understanding of consultation process for construction activities
• Understanding of CEQA, NEPA, and NHPA and other related environmental SOI qualifications preferred

Benefits

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Free Parking
• On-site Gym and Locker room
• Electric Carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

All applicants must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Failure to include an SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration. Your SOQ may be a determining factor of your qualifications for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you may proceed to the hiring interview.

A resume in lieu of the SOQ responses may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ will disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Please review the Duty Statement for the Senior Environmental Scientist.

SOQ FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS:
The SOQ should be no more than one page, single-spaced in 12-point Arial font, with one inch margins, name in upper right corner.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. Describe how you are qualified for the Secretary of the Interior professional qualification standards.

For assistance in uploading documents, including the SOQ, you may want to consider watching the following video from CalHR's Training Catalog:  Upload SOQ to your Application Package

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 refer to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) section at the bottom of this job bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Question(s). Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Flexible hours, Night shift,

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