California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Compensation

Full Description

Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. About the Opportunity: Under the general direction of the Quality Assurance Division Chief, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is expected to provide subject matter expertise in identification, research and solution of complex challenges to environmental planning and monitoring as it relates to implementation of the Hazard Mitigation programs at Cal OES. The incumbent is expected to help prepare and review environmental impact reports and other documents to determine the effects of proposed activities on environmental health, answer permitting questions, and assist our communities with the environmental, cultural, and historic preservation review process and implementation of conditions throughout the grant life cycle. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will take on the most complex environmental reviews for NEPA and CEQA compliance; cultural resource reviews, conduct analysis of and make recommendations that support and mitigate environmental impacts; resolve difficult and complex environmental/permitting issues and undertake a variety of actions necessary to implement the Section’s goals and objectives. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will lead and coordinate quality control for the grant proposal and project review process to ensure documentation complies with all applicable state and federal programmatic and regulatory requirements as well as direct and provide technical assistance for project and sub-application development in alignment with state and federal mitigation grant programs. This position will lead efforts to ensure that coordination and consultation with external partner agencies and tribal entities is conducted, as well as conducts training/outreach/mentorship of colleagues to understand consultation processes in the context of hazard mitigation plans, projects, and initiatives. Members of the Hazard Mitigation Section frequently interact with stakeholders from Local, State, Tribal, Federal, community-based organizations, and private sector agencies and will be expected to provide platinum customer service through community outreach and technical training to all partners. This collaborative position strives to create accessible plans that reduce the risk to lives, property, and the environment throughout the State. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is expected to to lead others in becoming knowledgeable on the impacts and best management principles concerning methods to mitigate environmental hazards and to assist in resolving difficult and complex environmental issues. This position may require travel across the State, including overnight stays, to conduct field/site visits and environmental assessments. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Click 'Apply Now' to read the official job bulletin and apply. Applications will be received until 11:59pm PST on December 19, 2025. 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: • Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner. • Be proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks. • Have knowledge and experience in urban, regional, and/or environmental planning and the application of community planning and/or mitigation principles. • Have experience in analyzing and interpreting legislative documents, government codes and regulations. • Possess strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills. • Demonstrate the ability to lead a team and prioritize workload and manage multiple projects with short-term and long-term deadlines. • Posses an acute attention to detail. • Have excellent customer service & team lead skills. • Be able to work effectively both independently and in a team environment advising multiple stakeholders. • Demonstrate willingness to assume the most complex duties and adapt to changing priorities. • Employ creativity and innovation to resolve issues and identify alternative strategies for complex problems. • Experience leading junior staff. • Possess the Secretary of the Interior professional qualification standards. • Experience managing EHP regulations for construction projects. Working Conditions: Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need. Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment. Department Information: The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees. The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process. The Hazard Mitigation Section supports California communities by reducing risk to natural hazards and enhancing resilience. Through promoting accessible comprehensive mitigation planning processes and grant programs, we assist local jurisdictions in assessing their risks, developing actionable mitigation strategies, implementing projects and initiatives, and highlighting best practices that reduce disaster losses across the state. Our vision is a resilient California where communities better understand natural hazard risks and work collaboratively to reduce the impacts from natural hazard events and disasters. By fostering strong partnerships and promoting effective mitigation strategies, we strive to safeguard lives, property, the environment, and cultural resources to ensure a safer future for all Californians. The Quality Assurance Division provides research, benefit cost analysis, data governance, and financial management support to the Hazard Mitigation Section and California communities by refining operations, information management systems, tracking, and reporting. The Division is responsible for monitoring hazard events and historical data, and for providing data-driven recommendations to improve the successful allocation of mitigation funding. The Division validates cost-effectiveness and conducts assessments of completed mitigation projects when they are tested by natural hazard events. The Division works to ensure compliance with all grant requirements and to improve the delivery of mitigation grants to maximize the benefit of public funds through research, quality control, and performance assessment to improve future mitigation decisions. In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites. More information may be found here: Hazard Mitigation | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov Benefits: Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following: • Free Parking • On-site Gym and Locker room • Electric Carport • Excellent CalPERS state pension plan • 401(k) and 457(b) Plans • Flexible Schedules • Generous paid time off • Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family • Investment in careers development • Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station Questions about the application process? Email a recruiter at Talent@caloes.ca.gov and reference JC-499314