SPEC: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST SERIES CALIFORNIA STATE PERSONNEL BOARD SPECIFICATION ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST Series Specification (Established July 22, 1981) SCOPE This series specification describes three Environmental Scientist and three Environmental Program Manager classifications used to perform a broad range of staff and management work concerning present and future environmental, environmental health, and natural resource management issues related to protecting the State's natural resources and public health. Incumbents give presentations; prepare environmental permitting packages, regulatory permits, and other environmental documents; implement enforcement of various environmental and environmental health-related regulations; and conduct natural resource management, planning, and implementation activities. Incumbents apply scientific methods and principles in the identification, research, and solution of problems in the areas of biodiversity planning, environmental monitoring, water resources development, illegal discharge of waste to the lands and waters of the State, toxic and hazardous materials management, point and nonpoint source pollution, natural area management, habitat protection and restoration, wetland restoration, river greenways, riparian habitat, land and water use, agricultural return flows, timber harvesting, streambed alterations, and watershed evaluation. Incumbents analyze and evaluate available data on the effects of water pollutants, waste management, water diversions, and water use on human health, vegetation, fish, wildlife, water supplies, potential land uses, and other aspects of the environment; prepare and review environmental impact reports and other documents to determine the effects of proposed activities on environmental health and all areas of the environment; coordinate water development, water pollution, waste management control, and other environmental and environmental health programs with other public and private agencies; develop regulatory measures and implement enforcement of environmental standards; develop recommendations regarding environmental programs as these may be affected by scientific findings; prepare and edit scientific papers for publication; consult with and advise other agencies and institutions engaged in related environmental analysis, management, planning, regulation, investigation, and research; meet and confer with individuals and groups to obtain compliance with laws and regulations concerning environmental requirements of the State; participate in hearings and field investigations as a staff expert for environmental matters; and prepare reports and correspondence. On occasion, incumbents may perform environmental analysis in a laboratory setting. Schem Class Code Code Class BH70 0762 Environmental Scientist BH74 0765 Staff Environmental Scientist BH73 0764 Senior Environmental Scientist BH82 0756 Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) BH80 0760 Environmental Program Manager I (Managerial) BH76 0769 Environmental Program Manager II ENTRY LEVEL Entry to the series is typically at the level of Environmental Scientist. FACTORS AFFECTING POSITION ALLOCATION Level, variety, and complexity of assigned work; independence of action; degree of public and interagency contact; amount of supervision exercised or received; degree to which decisions are sought and accepted by top management; reporting relationships; consequence of error; and extent of impact. DEFINITION OF LEVELS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST This class is the entry, intermediate, and full journey level of the series. Range A is the entry and first working level of the class. Under close supervision, incumbents perform a variety of the less difficult and responsible professional scientific office and field work. In accordance with detailed instructions and specific standards, incumbents gather data on environmental issues; perform preliminary environmental analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies of less difficulty; prepare preliminary drafts of reports; prepare drafts of routine correspondence; answer questions of a routine and minor nature from the public; and do other related work. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on detailed instructions and assistance from lead persons and supervisors in the application of proven techniques and methodologies to assigned work. Range B is the intermediate working level of the class. Under general supervision, incumbents perform a variety of responsible scientific professional office and field work. Incumbents gather data on environmental issues; perform environmental analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies of average difficulty; write preliminary reports; prepare routine correspondence and answer questions of a routine nature from the public; prepare regulatory and compliance documents; and do other related work. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on proven techniques and methodologies. Range C is the full journey level. Under direction, incumbents perform a variety of responsible professional scientific office and field work. Incumbents independently perform complex environmental analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies; write final reports; prepare regulatory and compliance documents; prepare nonroutine correspondence and answer difficult questions from the public; and do other related work. Incumbents allocated to this level perform a variety of tasks including the more responsible, varied, and complex assignments; incumbents may provide consultative advice to various governmental entities and agencies. Work at this level is often characterized by independent development and use of techniques and methodologies. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project. STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST The Staff Environmental Scientist is the advanced journey level of the series. Incumbents independently identify problems, develop courses of action, and conduct extremely complex and difficult scientific investigations and studies on issues of major importance to the employer, and do other related work. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project, program function, or area of expertise. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST This is the first supervisory level of the series. Incumbents supervise and direct the work of professional or technical staff, and do other related work. Incumbents performing in this capacity have the authority and responsibility in the interest of management to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees. Incumbents have the responsibility to direct employees, adjust employee grievances, or effectively recommend such actions. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (SUPERVISORY) This is the second supervisory level of the series. Incumbents direct and have charge of environmental programs or components which are of major sensitivity and complexity; carry authority and accountability for timely completion of program objectives and for submittal of satisfactory products; are responsible for operational planning and assigning of projects, budgeting for time and funds, reviewing and evaluating achievements, and preparing administrative reports; coordinate program activities with technical and administrative support sections and their activities; assist in formulating and administering policies; maintain liaison with other governmental agencies and the private sector; and do other related work. Incumbents may supervise a group of Staff Environmental Scientists and other professionals working on a major environmental management, regulation, compliance, or research project. Incumbents have authority in the interest of management to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees. Incumbents have the responsibility to direct employees, adjust employee grievances, or effectively recommend such actions. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (MANAGERIAL) This is the first managerial level of the series which has significant responsibility for formulating and administering policies or programs. Incumbents direct and have charge of environmental programs or components which are of major sensitivity and complexity; carry authority and accountability for timely completion of program objectives and for submittal of satisfactory products; are responsible for operational planning and assigning of projects, budgeting for time and funds, reviewing and evaluating achievements, and preparing administrative reports; coordinate program activities with technical and administrative support sections and their activities; formulate and administer policies; maintain liaison with other governmental agencies and the private sector; and do other related work. Incumbents have authority in the interest of management to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees. Incumbents have the responsibility to direct employees, adjust employee grievances, or effectively recommend such actions. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER II This is the second managerial level of the series and, organizationally, incumbents are in the top management structure. Incumbents plan, organize, and direct sensitive and complex environmental programs of major importance to the employer, and do other related work. Incumbents have significant responsibility for formulating and administering policies and programs. Incumbents typically supervise one or more Environmental Program Managers I or other second-level supervisors. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ALL LEVELS: Education: Possession of a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST Education as indicated above. (Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of a degree before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST Either I Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Environmental Scientist, Range C. Or II Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience as a scientist in environmental analysis, research, management, planning, regulation, or investigation, two years of which have included responsibility in the development or implementation of environmental policies, programs, plans, or research projects; or conducting an environmental monitoring and surveillance or environmental management program; or in the direction of the work of a multidisciplined environmental investigatory or regulatory staff, at a level equivalent to that of an Environmental Scientist, Range C, in the California state service. Possession of a master's degree in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; possession of a doctorate in the above-named disciplines may be substituted for two years of the general experience. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (SUPERVISORY) ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (MANAGERIAL) Either I Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Staff or Senior Environmental Scientist. Or II Experience: Five years of broad, extensive, and increasingly responsible experience as a scientist in environmental analysis, management, research, planning, regulation, or investigation, at least two years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory position in full charge of a staff responsible for the development or implementation of environmental policies, programs, plans, or research projects; or conducting a major environmental monitoring and surveillance or environmental management program; or in the direction of the work of a large multidisciplined environmental investigatory or regulatory staff at a level equivalent to a Staff or Senior Environmental Scientist in the California state service. Possession of a master's degree in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; possession of a doctorate in the above-named disciplines may be substituted for two years of the general experience. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER II Either I Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) or Environmental Program Manager I (Managerial). Or II Experience: Five years of broad, extensive, and increasingly responsible experience as a scientist in environmental analysis, management, research, planning, regulation, or investigation, at least two years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory position in full charge of a staff responsible for the development or implementation of environmental policies, programs, plans, or research projects; or conducting a major environmental monitoring and surveillance or environmental management program; or in management of the work of a large multidisciplined environmental investigatory or regulatory staff at a level equivalent to an Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) or Environmental Program Manager I (Managerial) in the California state service. Possession of a master's degree in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; possession of a doctorate in the above-named disciplines may be substituted for two years of the general experience. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST Knowledge of: Basic principles of land, water, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources research; principles of ecology; statistical methods; land-use practices with reference to their general effect on human health, natural resources, and the environment; effects of waste material and their interactions on the environment; chemical reaction; State and Federal environmental rules, regulations, and requirements. Ability to: Collect environmental data; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review, check, and interpret scientific and environmental reports; analyze situations and take appropriate actions; establish and maintain cooperative relations and effective communications with local governments and all persons contacted; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; apply rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of State and Federal environmental protection and resource management programs. STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST Knowledge of: In addition to the above, the legislative process, and the environmental programs and policies of the State. Ability to: In addition to the above, develop innovative solutions for difficult environmental management problems; provide leadership in accomplishing basic functions and objectives in assigned programs; inspire confidence and effective working relationships with employees, managers, and leaders in government and industry. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (SUPERVISORY) ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER I (MANAGERIAL) ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER II Knowledge of: In addition to the above, principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision; budgeting and other administrative functions; a manager's/supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action and equal employment opportunity objectives. Ability to: In addition to the above, plan, organize, and direct the work of others; perceive the alternatives available in the solution of management problems and select realistic courses of action; effectively contribute to the employer's affirmative action and equal employment opportunity objectives. ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS ALL LEVELS: In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent experience and education over and above that required under "Minimum Qualifications." Experience in management, research, planning, or consultation in environmental programs, demonstrated environmental management skills, and knowledge of broad principles of economics and political science will be given preference. Some positions within the Department of Health Services may require possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 514-534. CLASS HISTORY Date Date Title Class Established Revised Changed Environmental Scientist 7/22/81 9/18/01 9/18/01 Staff Environmental Scientist 7/22/81 9/18/01 9/18/01 Senior Environmental Scientist 7/22/81 9/18/01 9/18/01 Environmental Program Manager I 5/6/70 9/18/01 9/18/01 (Supervisory) Environmental Program Manager I 9/18/01 -- -- (Managerial) Environmental Program Manager II 7/22/81 9/18/01 9/18/01