Environmental Scientist- CDFW Cannabis Enforcement Program

Under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent is part of a regional team within the North Central Region conducting specialized and complex environmental investigations targeting cannabis cultivation sites. The incumbent independently performs assigned duties and has responsibility for drafting CDFWs Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreements, California Endangered Species Act (CESA) permits, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and associated documents, and review, comment, and/or completion of documents necessary for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The incumbent applies a high degree of personal initiative and will work with and provide consultative advice to local lead CEQA agencies, staff from California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), CDFW Cannabis Program staff statewide, members of the public and private entities. The incumbent will work closely with CDFW Law Enforcement Division and public contacts made in the course of this work are highly sensitive.

As part of the Cannabis Enforcement Team, that may include direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), conduct watershed assessments. Assessments may include identification of high priority sites for investigations targeting cannabis cultivation sites and collecting information to support enforcement of Fish and Game Code violations. Prepare LSA Agreements for cannabis cultivation. Review LSA notifications for cannabis cultivation projects received by the regional office for completeness and General Agreement notifications for eligibility. Perform desk reviews and site visits to evaluate project effects on lakes and streams. Identify measures necessary to protect existing fish and wildlife resources. Draft LSA Agreements and negotiate terms with applicants as necessary. Prepare CEQA compliance documents for cannabis cultivation. Conduct review of CEQA documents and prepare CEQA compliance for LSA and CESA permits for cannabis cultivation. Prepare CESA permits for cannabis cultivation. Review CESA permit applications, conduct site visits, and prepare CESA Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) and Consistency Determinations (CDs) as they relate to cannabis cultivation.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Environmental Scientist: CalCareers

This position requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License. Must maintain a clean driving record. The selected candidate may be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration.

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

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

Ability to use a computer keyboard and Microsoft office software up to eight hours a day. Must be able work unusual and/or long hours on short notice; occasional attendance at evening public meetings; travel frequently (20-30%); spend multiple days in the field assessing habitat conditions in adverse weather or terrain; walking in and through rural terrain where outdoor cannabis cultivation occurs; hiking over rough terrain with no vehicle access; operating a 4-wheel drive vehicle off highway, over rough terrain on a weekly basis; operate an all-terrain vehicle occasionally. A valid Drivers License is required to drive on official state business. Work schedules may include early mornings and late nights. This position requires the incumbent to wear a uniform identifying the employee as CDFW staff on certain occasions.

This position offers the possibility of an office-centered telework agreement based on the Department's current Telework Policy. Based on institutional need, this position may be located in alternate locations and will be provided flexible hoteling space at any of the North Central Region's offices.