Freelance Virtual Environmental Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Water Resources' (DWR) Northern Region Office is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Environmental Scientist to join our collaborative team of professionals dedicated to protecting and managing California's water resources. If you enjoy meaningful, hands-on work, thrive in a dynamic environment, and are passionate about making a positive impact on Northern California's communities and natural resources, we encourage you to apply.
In this role, you will perform complex environmental research, field investigations, surveys, and technical analyses, with an emphasis on botanical surveys, that support critical water resource management and restoration projects.
Responsibilities include conducting sensitive plant species surveys, aquatic resources delineations, and vegetation classification and mapping; preparing technical and environmental documentation; conducting recreation surveys, managing grant-funded projects; and collaborating throughout the Northern Region with other DWR offices on a variety of environmental initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team, gain diverse field and project experience, and contribute to projects that help protect California's water, native plants, sensitive vegetation communities, recreation resources, and the environment for future generations.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528436
Position #(s):
844-300-0762-010
Working Title:
Environmental Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
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:
Tehama County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Mailing Address
Department Information
Division of Regional Assistance, Northern Region Office, Watershed and Environmental Assessment Branch, Environmental Services Section, Red Bluff
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state's people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/
Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR's Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.
Special Requirements
Must possess a valid California driver's license to drive a personal, rental, or State vehicle to meetings, conferences, trainings, or project sites. The incumbent must be able to travel on short notice and stay overnight, for several consecutive days, at field locations.
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.
Final Filing Date: 9/11/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento , CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
• Other - See Supplemental Questionnaire information under Special Instructions below.
• Other - Cover Letter

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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:
The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience conducting botanical field surveys, environmental monitoring, habitat assessments, and restoration activities.
• Knowledge of California's native plant species, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and applicable environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA.
• Experience preparing biological assessments, technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, and scientific analyses.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize biological and environmental data using statistical methods and prepare clear technical reports, charts, and presentations.
• Experience coordinating recreation or natural resource management projects and collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of grant administration, including reviewing applications, developing grant agreements, conducting site visits, and monitoring grant-funded projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines while working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical correspondence, deliver presentations, and effectively communicate with diverse interested parties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and experience using ESRI ArcGIS or other GIS software for mapping and data analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, consultants, and the public while representing the Department in meetings, field activities, and collaborative workgroups.
• A commitment to providing exceptional public service and contributing to the Department of Water Resources' mission of sustainable water and natural resource management.

Benefits
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Our office is perfectly situated within a stone's throw of both Redding and Chico, making commuting a breeze. Nestled alongside the Sacramento River, Red Bluff is a mere hop from the stunning Lassen Volcanic National Park in just 60 minutes, while the snowy slopes of Mt. Shasta is a 90-minute drive. And if you're longing for the coast scene, Arcata is just over a three-hour scenic drive. Plus, enjoy the freedom of free parking and individual offices.
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Kim Burns
(530) 489-8088
kim.burns@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Special Instruction
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Resume, Cover Letter, and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position # 50001409 and Job Control # 528436 in the "examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying" section of your application.
Supplemental Questionnaire . - This non-confidential Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant's abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the Environmental Scientist position in the Environmental Assessment Branch of the Northern Region Office.
If there is a question regarding experience that you do not have, include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function. Please limit your answers to one page per question (for a maximum total of four pages) in Arial 12 font.
This information will be used in conjunction with the interview to assist the interview panel in determining the most qualified candidate for the Environmental Scientist position.

Describe your knowledge and experience in conducting rare plant surveys, invasive plant surveys, and vernal pool plant surveys, as well as related data analysis and report writing. Include descriptions of field methods and field equipment used.

Describe your knowledge and experience in classifying and mapping vegetation communities and conducting related data analysis and report writing. Include descriptions of field methods and field equipment used.

Describe your knowledge and experience in conducting aquatic resources delineations (i.e., wetland delineations, delineations of waters of the U.S. and waters of the State), as well as related data analysis and report writing. Include descriptions of field methods and field equipment used.

Describe your knowledge and experience in conducting public surveys or interacting with the public.

Applications submitted without a Supplemental Questionnaire will not be considered.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), reinstatement, and State Restriction of Appointments (SROA)/Surplus.
The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Click here to complete DWR's Recruitment Survey . This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
Examination/Assessment
For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To learn more about how to get a State job, click here .
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an e