Environmental Scientist

Are you a scientist who is passionate about protecting California from harmful and toxic substances? Are you looking to work in a dynamic and fast-paced job with occasional travel? Join the Office of Criminal Investigations! Our scientists work in a team setting to investigate the most egregious polluters and bring justice to all Californians and the environment.

As an Environmental Scientist you will have the opportunity to:

• Work independently on Administrative and Civil case investigations to investigate violations of the California Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL) by responding to complaints, tips and other information submitted to Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) that alleges illegal hazardous waste activities in the state
• Use databases such as Envirostor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)s ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online) as well as Google Earth mapping, to research site(s) of violation, responsible entities/parties, compliance and enforcement history of suspect sites and suspect entities
• Plan and determine best scientific investigatory methods to be used to gather, analyze and present evidence for a solid legal case to prove the violation(s) occurred and/or is/are occurring as needed for court cases
• Write clear, concise, official investigatory reports to support administrative and/or civil enforcement, or criminal prosecution
• Provide scientific assistance, including waste examinations, to Investigators on cases alleging violations of California Hazardous Waste Control Law
• Research and review chemicals and wastes for their scientific properties, contamination issues and legal thresholds of hazardous waste in preparation for investigatory sampling events

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Experience in Environmental Science
• Experience interacting with varying stakeholders and working on a team
• Ability to take action independently while using sound judgment
• An understanding of OCIs role within the Department of Toxic Substances Control

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

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here .

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

A hybrid schedule may be available for this position.

Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSCs culture:

DTSC - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)