Wildfire Environmental Scientist-Inspector

This position 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 Environmental Scientists 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 Supervisory Senior Environmental Scientist of the Inspections and Investigations Support Branch in the Environmental Science Division, the incumbent will conduct inspections of electrical utility company vegetation management programs, document and prepare written inspection reports and compliance-related documents, support the development of guidelines and inspection standards, and support compliance actions to ensure electrical utility company compliance with vegetation management portions of their approved WMPs and other regulatory requirements associated with forestry, wildfire science, and the environment. The incumbent will also develop and maintain relationships with Federal, State, and local agency partners and serve as the environmental science subject matter expert to assist other Energy Safety Divisions.
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.
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.
• Incumbent may be required to travel, as job duties require, 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.

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-392874
Position #(s):
681-310-0762-003
681-310-0762-001
681-310-0762-004
Working Title:
Wildfire Environmental Scientist-Inspector
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,145.00 - $5,132.00 A
$5,037.00 - $6,250.00 B
$6,375.00 - $7,926.00 C
# of Positions:
3
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Telework
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Week:
Monday - Friday
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.

Please include a 1-2 page(s), 12-point font Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following:
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 scientific findings to a non-scientific audience.
3. Describe your experience in interpreting and applying State environmental regulations and/or industry standards.
4. Describe your experience working with members of the public, external stakeholders, and/or agency representatives.
The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. SOQs will be evaluated based on the content and writing ability, using standardized rating criteria. Competitive applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ will not be considered.
Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
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: 3/22/2024
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
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:
Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
Attn: Class & Hiring
715 P Street
14th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
Class & Hiring
715 P Street
14th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Non-operational on weekends and state holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see "Special Requirements"

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:

• Knowledge of wildfire, climate, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.
• Experience performing inspections, documenting and communicating findings.
• Experience working with members of the public, external stakeholders, and agency representatives
• Experience serving as a technical scientist.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present 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
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

• 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 BCSH/Cal ICH offers 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
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position #681-310-0764-00X and the Job Control # JC-392874 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
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 Environmental Scientist. 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 circu...