Environmental Scientist – State Water Resources Control Board

Description: Do you have a passion for protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources? The Central Coast Water Board is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated Environmental Scientist to join our team in San Luis Obispo, California. In this position, you will play a critical role as our region’s scientific expert on surface water quality issues with a focus on developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and accompanying implementation plans to address the complex impacts of pesticides, nutrients, Harmful algal blooms (HABs), and other pollutants or toxic chemicals to water quality and human health.

Responsibilities: The Environmental Scientist will focus on TMDL projects using new or emerging science for pesticides and associated toxicity, biological indicators (e.g., bacteria indicators, harmful algal bloom species and associated algal toxins, benthic invertebrate species, bioaccumulation in sport fish and prey fish, etc.), and molecular detection of biological indicators. This position will also study the toxicity of pollutants, including emerging contaminants, to assess their impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. The Environmental Scientist will also be tasked with reviewing peer-reviewed research and designing novel approaches to develop numeric thresholds for pesticides, nutrients, and other toxic pollutants for TMDLs, permits, or other regulatory mechanisms that protect water quality.

At the Central Coast Water Board, we’re committed to protecting and improving the water quality in our region. In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to use your scientific expertise to ensure that our waterways remain safe and healthy for generations to come. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about advancing science through water quality protection and policy and eager to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex environmental challenges. Your work will be critical in helping us achieve our mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources in our region.

If you’re ready to join a dynamic and dedicated team of environmental and scientific professionals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity! The position is located at 895 Aerovista Place, suite 101, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Please review the attached Duty Statement for description of roles and responsibilities.                                                                 

Qualifications: 

Experience performing complex data analysis and developing scientific briefs, technical reports, or guidance documents.

Experience and demonstrated success communicating complex technical and scientific concepts and data analyses to a variety of audiences in written documents or by oral presentation.

Experience performing pollutant source analysis, risk- analysis, and other advanced statistical analysis to provide support for environmental planning and regulatory documents.

Experience or ability to develop, guide, and/or advise on complex environmental and scientific investigations, analyses, research, surveys, and studies related to environmental quality and public health risks associated with drinking water and recreation.

Knowledge of and experience with developing and/or implementing environmental regulations and policies in coordination with intra- and inter- agency staff.

Experience and knowledge regarding pesticide use, potential environmental impacts, and regulations in California or the United States.

Experience using arcGIS, R-statistical computing package, PowerBI, or comparable database software and pollutant fate and transport models to evaluate data and create data visualizations for technical reports and presentations.

Knowledge or experience interpreting environmental regulations (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act (CWA), CWC, etc.).

Learn more and apply here.