Environmental Scientist (JC-260829)
RPA# 21-260-006
Pay and Benefits:
The Environmental Scientist classification's standard pay range is $4,145.00 to $7,926.00. Benefits packages for State employees include health, dental, vision, retirement, and much more!
To be considered, take the exam and apply at CalCareers. Applications received outside of CalCareers will not be considered. Here is the link to the exam: https://jobs.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/1PB09.PDF.
Location: The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Enforcement has an opening for an Environmental Scientist (ES) in the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention Unit. The position is located at 801 K Street, 23rd Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of the Downtown Commons and next to the Golden 1 Center.
Minimum Qualifications: Education: Possession of a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.)
****NOTE****To be considered for this opportunity you must apply on CalCareers.ca.gov in the search field enter 260829 to pull of the job posting. If you do not have a CalCareers account you will need to create one to proceed. Once you have established an account you may take the experiential exam and apply for the position. The experiential exam is based on your life, school, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Ensure you submit all required documents to be considered.
Duties: Under the close supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist and consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State and Regional Board’s Strategic Plan, the incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal/external customers, follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal/external customer input when completing work assignments.
The incumbent performs a wide variety of complex scientific research and investigation work in the Office of Enforcement’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention Unit. The incumbent must maintain a high degree of confidentiality. The incumbent must be able to travel statewide on an occasional basis, including both day and overnight trips. Specific responsibilities include:
- Independently perform complex scientific review and interpretation of technical reports against billing documents to determine if fraudulent activity is being conducted by site owners, consultants, and/or contractors against the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund or other State Water Board financial assistance programs. Perform systematic, intensive investigations for use in the resolution of fraud, waste, and abuse allegations against entities that receive State Water Board monies. Investigations include using fact-finding strategies to determine the types of fraudulent schemes being used. Perform technical assessments and reviews. Analyze data from database systems (i.e., GeoTracker, SCUFIIS, etc.) and hard copy files. Interpret water quality and environmental data, such as groundwater sampling field data sheets, laboratory chain of custody records, and waste disposal records.
- Perform technical research, review, and gather information on entities and individuals in fraud investigations. Technical research includes data collection and coordination, data verification, and developing and maintaining a tracking database. Use the scientific background to identify errors in laboratory procedures and results. Coordinate and work with the Division of Drinking Water to identify potential sources of fraud in the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
- Prepare complex written reports detailing the results of the investigations including descriptive narratives, charts, graphs, and exhibits on entities and individuals involved. These reports may be used for cases of fraud and negligence that are referred to the Attorney General's Office, or other prosecutorial agencies for criminal and/or civil prosecution or presented to the State Water Board for administrative enforcement. Maintain confidential data integrity and tracking as required in enforcement cases.
- Apply scientific methods and principles in performing a variety of duties related to site inspections and field investigations. Conduct field investigations including surveillance of work performed onsite, confirming installation of equipment required, taking photographs, interviewing witnesses, comparison of witness statements to determine whether if any fraud, waste or abuse has occurred, and enforcement is warranted. Collect soil and groundwater samples as required. Track all complaints from initial receipt to conclusion.
- Provide technical expertise as requested by the Attorney General's Office or other prosecutorial agencies pertaining to the investigation conducted. Prepare for and make logical and convincing written and oral presentations. May be required to provide depositions, oral testimony and assist law enforcement agencies on search warrants served.
- Other duties as required.