Requisition #: JC-531084. Salary Range: $4,418.00 – $9,321.00 per month, depending on experience. Application Closes: September 15, 2026.
Department Information
California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.
Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.
CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.
CalRecycle 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 the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov.
Job Description and Duties
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 CalRecycle’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment? CalRecycle is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Scientist to join our talented team that is passionate to work in Textiles Unit!
Position Description
Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist (incumbent) at Range A (an entry level employee) works under direct supervision performing the least complex scientific work; at Range B (an intermediate level employee) works under general supervision performing moderately complex work; or at Range C (a journey person level employee) works independently performing the most complex work. The Environmental Scientist (ES) will have a variety of responsibilities from scientific, analytical, and administrative duties to implement and enforce the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 within the Textiles Unit. The incumbent applies the principles of scientific research and analytical skills to perform complex technical tasks and uses statistical knowledge to gather, assess, and review data in order to ensure their compliance with CalRecycle’s producer responsibility and product stewardship requirements and regulations. The incumbent is responsible for the determination of violations and their general effects on public health, safety, and the environment for the programs, reviewing findings and preparing the reports for technical adequacy on enforcement matters, and doing other related work to perform the duties listed below. Additionally, the ES will play an important role in developing and implementing new enforcement programs related to products with EPR and product stewardship requirements.
The Program is responsible for compliance and enforcement related to producer responsibility, product stewardship and seeks to enforce EPR laws governing the regulated communities including, but not limited to: Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO), producers/manufacturers of covered products, licensees of trademarks or brands, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and other regulated parties. The incumbent will determine if regulated communities are in compliance by performing field inspections and investigations. On a daily basis, conduct research of businesses, products, and industries to plan inspections and conduct investigations; develop sound conclusions and recommendations for the issuance of timely, concise and complete inspection reports; and compile defensible facts for legal documents. Serve as an EPR compliance program liaison and educate stakeholders verbally and in writing; accurately explain the law and potential enforcement consequences; prepare correspondence; meet regulatory deadlines; and implement established enforcement processes. Work in coordination with CalRecycle’s other supporting technical staff and the Legal Office; evaluate the significance of violations of non-compliant entities and program trends; compile, organize data and use mathematical formulas and develop databases and tools to perform statistical analyses to track compliance trends of the regulated community to evaluate overall program success; recommend corrective actions or penalties and fines to effectively achieve the program(s) mandates to protect public health and safety and the environment. Prepare findings to present and conduct technical trainings to supervisors, technical offices, Executive Management and Stakeholders.
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.
As of July 1st, 2026, the position is office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week. 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. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
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.
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:
- Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information, identify problems, evaluate options, and provide sound, data-supported recommendations
- Ability to adapt to evolving program needs, shifting priorities, and changes in regulatory or program direction.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and related productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat), and preparing reports, guidance materials, and recommendations for management or external stakeholders.
- Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex technical or regulatory information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with stakeholders, multiple agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Benefits
In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR’s website at CalHR Benefits Website – CalHR
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Patricia Gutierrez Rodriguez, (916) 445-1474, paty.rodriguez@calrecycle.ca.gov