Senior Environmental Scientist – Offshore Wind 

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California Ocean Protection Council

Job Description and Duties

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) – Senior Offshore Wind Program Manager / Ocean Protection Council / California Natural Resources Agency

The reporting location for this position is Sacramento, CA. This position will work under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory).

The Ocean Protection Council is hiring a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to advance strategic priorities related to offshore wind development. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will work in OPC’s Climate Change Program and will lead coordination efforts across state, federal, and external partners to inform sustainable offshore wind development with a specific focus on establishing a comprehensive environmental monitoring and research program for California.

The incumbent will oversee the development of scientific environmental monitoring guidance, establishing and implementing a comprehensive environmental monitoring and research program, and identifying critical information needs and strategic investments to ensure offshore wind development is informed by the best available science. This role will be responsible for collaborating with other OPC staff, state and federal regulatory agencies, California Native American tribes, academic scientists, non-profits, community representatives, and others, on topics pertaining to offshore wind development. Finally, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will provide additional support and capacity for the implementation of broader OPC and California Natural Resources Agency priorities related to offshore wind development and will support embedding equity and environmental justice into all programs and actions.

OPC is a Cabinet-level state policy body that works to ensure healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems by advancing innovative, science-based policy and management, making strategic investments, and catalyzing action through partnerships and collaboration.  We prioritize an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

Flexible Work Schedule: This position is considered Remote-Centered, which means incumbent would telework 50% or more of the time within a work month from an alternate work location. The position incumbent can telework with a management approved telework agreement and schedule.

Training and Development Assignments may be considered.

For further information regarding this position, please contact Justine Kimball at justine.kimball@resources.ca.gov.

CNRA values diverse employees working together, and prioritizes an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. https://resources.ca.gov/

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • This position is eligible for telework, in accordance with CAL FIRE’s telework policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.
1. Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
2. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
The minimum qualifications can be found in the Environmental Scientist classification specifications.

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: 10/9/2024

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. 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:

Natural Resources Agency
N/A
Attn: Classification and Hiring – Personnel Technician
c/o Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Natural Resources Agency
N/A
Classification and Hiring – Personnel Technician
c/o Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
710 Riverpoint Court. Ste. 250
West Sacramento, CA 95605
08:00 AM04:30 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications – A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Failure to include the Statement of Qualifications as required shall result in disqualification from the hiring process. Please see the section labeled “Statement of Qualifications” for further information.

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:
Applicants should have a strong scientific and policy background, working knowledge of coastal and ocean issues and stakeholders in California, experience working on projects or research related to ocean and coastal management in California or elsewhere, interdisciplinary and/or inter-agency facilitation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience working in the field of offshore wind is desired, but not required. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks is a must. Proficiency reading and speaking Spanish are preferred, but not required.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Justine Kimball
(000) –
justine.kimball@resources.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:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 894-9567
Genavina.Mabary@fire.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.

Statement of Qualifications

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications for this recruitment. You must provide specific information in your response(s) which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position.

The SOQ must have each response numbered, no more than one page in length, single-spaced and using 12-point Arial font. You must indicate your Name and Job Control Number at the top of the page.

Please provide the name and telephone number of a former supervisor/ reference who can verify the work and/or experience in your supplemental questionnaire responses.

Please answer the following:
  1. Describe your management, policy, or scientific experience working on issues related to ocean and coastal management, environmental management, terrestrial renewable energy, or offshore wind.
  2. Describe your experience and role in designing, informing, and/or implementing special studies or programs related to applied environmental monitoring and/or research, including the identification of management, research, or monitoring questions, research and/or monitoring design, selection of technologies, and data management. Describe the role of external partners involved, where applicable.  
  3. Describe your experience working across agencies and/or in facilitating interdisciplinary working groups working toward a shared goal or deliverable. Please include examples of lessons-learned or strategies that led to effective interagency or working group collaboration.
  4. Describe your experience and ability to lead groups of people with divergent views on an issue towards consensus on a position or process. In particular, please describe your experience working with California Native American tribes, communities systemically burdened by environmental injustice, fishing communities, academic researchers, and/or other stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for the job vacancy you MUST satisfy one of the following requirements:

  1. List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for the classification of Sr Environmental Scientist. Click here for more information on how to apply for the Sr Environmental Scientist position. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. This is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility.

Applications must be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or depositing with a parcel delivery or courier service no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement, provided that the parcel contains proof of a timely deposit with the parcel delivery or courier service or

  • Date stamped at the appropriate office of the appointing power no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement
or
  • Electronically transmitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the final filing date specified on the job vacancy announcement.
For the purposes of determining whether an application has been filed within the time as set forth above, any dates printed on mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology shall not be considered postmarks and, as such, are not acceptable proof of the date the application was filed.

A completed State Application (STD. 678), a Resume, and any other relevant documents (e.g. transcript copies, copies of degree(s), cover letter, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareer Account, by U.S. mail, or by dropping your application package off. Both addresses are listed in this Job Advertisement.

Please reference Job Control 450344 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section on the STD. 678. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please note you can only apply for one Job Control per application submission.

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.

To apply for this job please visit calcareers.ca.gov.