The California Department of Toxic Substances Control is dedicated to protecting California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances. The Environmental Scientist will plan and conduct inspections and investigations related to hazardous waste compliance, coordinate with various agencies, and participate in enforcement actions.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and initiate inspection and investigation related activities, which require the incumbent to drive to and work in the field, including but not limited to: inspection of hazardous waste generators, transporters, electronic waste handlers, handlers of certain products with hazardous materials, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine compliance with hazardous waste control laws and regulations; investigation of complaints of alleged illegal hazardous waste activities
- Coordinate and conduct joint and/or multi-media inspections with federal and other state and local agencies
- Investigate and evaluate voluntary self-disclosures against the California Environmental Protection Agency's (Cal/EPA) voluntary disclosure guidelines and provide technical support to businesses that self-disclose violations
- Participate in settlement negotiations of enforcement cases and, when necessary, represents DTSC in the pursuit of administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions
- Prepare penalty matrices and rationale for evaluation and ultimately for enforcement referral to DTSC's Office of Legal Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General, or the local City and/or County District Attorney
- Coordinate case development with prosecuting attorneys and related agency staff
Skills
- Valid California Drivers License (CDL)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment and independently
- Ability to organize and set priorities on assignments and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management, and the public
- Experience with Sampling/Lab Analysis
- Experience in Environmental or Public Field, including any Internship or Volunteer experience
- Project management experience
- Knowledge and experience in Environmental law and regulations
- Inspection/Enforcement experience is a plus
- Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) required
- Complete an Applicant Survey by the date of 04/15/2026
Company Overview
The mission of the Department of Toxic Substances Control is to protect California’s people and environment from harmful effects of toxic substances by restoring contaminated resources, enforcing hazardous waste laws, reducing hazardous waste generation and encouraging the manufacture of chemically safer products. It was founded in undefined, and is headquartered in Sacramento, California, US, with a workforce of 501-1000 employees. Its website is http://www.dtsc.ca.gov.