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SalaryThis is a home-based headquartered position.
Are you looking to make a difference and join a highly motivated team working on issues critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of California? The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety’s Environmental Science Division is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist to analyze compliance with vegetation management commitments in electrical utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP).
The Environmental Science Division is responsible for evaluating the vegetation management aspects of utility WMPs, assessing performance in meeting vegetation management-related commitments described in the WMPs, and ensuring that each utility is reducing its risk of igniting a catastrophic wildfire. To this end, Division scientists review regulatory filings and utility procedures, analyze reported data, perform audits, conduct field inspections, publish findings, and engage with the utilities and interested parties. Division scientists serve as subject-matter experts in utility vegetation management and environmental policy related to wildfire risk reduction. Our team of scientists is highly collaborative and works closely with the Compliance Assurance, Electric Safety Policy, and Data Analytics Divisions.
Under general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor of the Inspections & Investigations Branch the incumbent will lead inspections of vegetation near electrical infrastructure, write and review inspection reports, lead development of inspection plans to ensure electrical corporation compliance with approved Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, and the environment. Incumbent will also lead investigations into concerns raised by external parties and other potential WMP violations, conduct critical and/or sensitive scientific investigations and studies and prepare guidance, policy, planning, or regulatory documents and legislative proposals on issues of importance to the department. Incumbent will identify issues found in the field and elevate to the Supervisor with proposed recommendations. The incumbent will provide guidance to and assist the branch Environmental Scientists with document reviews and deliverables prior to submittal to management. The incumbent will develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external agency partners. The incumbent will be the subject matter expert on vegetation management programs to ensure electrical utility compliance with approved WMPs and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, climate change and the environment.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- Energy Safety will use shared workspaces for most staff (hoteling stations) when required to work in the office.
- Incumbent may be required to travel, including overnight stays, and on occasion work unusual hours including nights and weekends to meet the needs of the Department.
- This position may be required to travel up to 20% by automobile and or aircraft in order to perform field inspections, attend in-person Branch meetings, and various utility meetings.
- Dress appropriately for a business/government environment.
- Alternate reporting location of San Francisco or Los Angeles Headquarters is available upon request.
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) is to advance long-term utility infrastructure safety through data-driven, wildfire mitigation evaluation and compliance, excavation standards and education, in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, and in support of improved utility infrastructure, safety culture, and innovation.
Department Website: https://energysafety.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.
1. Describe your experience with wildfire, climate, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.
2. Describe an experience where you had to communicate complex scientific findings to a members of the public, external stakeholders, and/or agency representatives.
4. Describe your experience leading diverse teams of scientists working on complex environmental issues including project management and assisting junior staff.
Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.
Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency. Click here to learn more about examinations available online.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
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: 4/18/2024Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- Degree and/or School Transcripts
- Statement of Qualifications - Please see "Special Requirements"
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of wildfire, climate, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.
- Experience performing inspections, documenting and communicating findings.
- Experience as a lead working with members of the public, external stakeholders, and agency representatives
- Experience serving as a lead technical scientist.
- Ability to effectively communicate and present complex scientific findings to non-scientific audiences through written reports and presentations.
- Ability to coordinate with individuals from different professional backgrounds.
- Experience with regulatory processes and compliance and enforcement of regulations.
- Experience working under tight timelines.
Benefits
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and leave
- Defined benefit retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Commute Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Some added benefits include: Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.
Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://energysafety.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Recruitment Team
(916) 902-5927
Careers@energysafety.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:EEO Officer
(916) 212-5452
EEO@energysafety.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.
Additional Instructions
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for Sr. Environmental Scientist (Specialist). Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
- Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
- Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
