Environmental Scientist

California Correctional Health Care Services is seeking a motivated Environmental Scientist to join their Delta Habitat Conservation Unit. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to protect sensitive species and their habitats, conducting site visits, and preparing necessary environmental documentation.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with applicants, stakeholders, local municipalities and governments, members of the public, and other environmental professionals to ensure the protection of sensitive plants and animals and the habitats on which they depend
• Share permitting and environmental oversight responsibilities for projects in Contra Costa County and the Legal Delta within CDFW's Bay/Delta Region
• Review and analysis of applications for Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements (LSAAs), California Endangered Species Act (CESA) permitting, and drafting of the permits for supervisor review
• Conduct site visits to assess biological impacts, develop mitigation and habitat enhancement measures and conditions of approval
• Answer public inquiries regarding permitting requirements, the LSAA notification process and the CESA Incidental Take Permit application process
• Prepare CEQA documentation when necessary (Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Notices of Preparation, Notices of Determination, Categorical Exemptions)
• Review, track, edit and draft written comments on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents received by CDFW for proposed projects in Bay/Delta Region
• Collaborate with other regulatory agencies and stakeholders to develop conservation planning strategies and mitigation measures as directed by the supervisor
• Represent CDFW in meetings related to project development, General Plan development, and other land use issues

Skills

• Possess a valid driver's license and be prepared to operate a State vehicle
• Ability to swim up to 100 yards while wearing a personal flotation device in an aquatic environment
• Knowledge of Ecology of fish, wildlife and plants occurring in Contra Costa County and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem
• Basic knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Endangered Species Act, and Lake and Streambed Alteration regulations
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the CDFW permitting process related to the implementation of permitting needs of an applicant to implement a proposed project
• Ability to operate computers and copy machines
• Ability to communicate both in written and oral fashion in clear and concise manner so that both technical and non-technical individuals can understand the message being delivered
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills for protection of natural resources
• Possess exceptional organizational and prioritization skills
• Willingness to quickly grasp and implement new biological and regulatory concepts for protection of fish and wildlife resources
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and also to work in a group setting
• Ability to work independently to evaluate proposed projects for the necessary permits, adequate mitigation, effectiveness of mitigation, and permit compliance
• Ability to work in and communicate with an interagency team to develop environmental permit applications and associated environmental documents to support application process
• Ability to inspire confidence and effective working relationships with applicants, managers, and leaders in government and industry

Benefits

• Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
• Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours.
• This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs.
• Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week.
• Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25.
• Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

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