Environmental Scientist

Overview

Job title: Biodiversity Program Manager & Coordinating Tribal Liaison – Environmental Scientist

The position is with the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) within the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA). The reporting location is Sacramento, CA, and the role supports tribal co-management and collaborative stewardship, ensures meaningful consideration of tribal science and Traditional Knowledges in OPC-funded projects and across state ocean and coastal programs.

OPC is a Cabinet-level state policy body within CNRA that works to ensure healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems by advancing science-based policy and management, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships.

• Serve as Biodiversity Program Manager and Coordinating Tribal Liaison to advance tribal co-management and collaborative stewardship.
• Support tribally-led research and monitoring.
• Ensure meaningful consideration of tribal science and Traditional Knowledges in OPC-funded projects and across state ocean and coastal programs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on coastal, marine, and estuarine ecosystem projects in California or elsewhere.
• Communicate scientifically and policy-relevant information effectively to diverse audiences, including decision-makers and the public.

• Strong scientific background and policy experience related to coastal, marine, and estuarine ecosystems.
• Experience working with California Native American tribes and knowledge of tribal science or Traditional Knowledges in environmental policy and management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and cultural humility.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and quickly become proficient in new topics.
• Experience with projects or research related to coastal, marine, and estuarine biodiversity in California or elsewhere.

• Location:
  
  Sacramento County. In-person reporting to Natural Resources Agency headquarters at 715 P Street, Sacramento, for a minimum of two days per week; OPC staff currently required at headquarters two days per week (Mondays and Tuesdays).
• Flexible/Hybrid telework:
  Remote Centered; telework 50% or more of the time with a management-approved telework agreement; partial telework allowed per State policy with in-office requirements as needed.

• Classification:
  Environmental Scientist;
  Salary ranges include $4,418.00 – $9,321.00 per month (board-approved ranges vary by appointment type).
• Work Type:
  Permanent, Full Time;
  Telework:
  Hybrid.
• Number of Positions: 1.

You will find the minimum requirements in the Class Specification. The posting notes may refer to additional position details in the Duty Statement.

• All job applicants must provide their employment history on the State Application STD 678 and include required documents (resume, transcripts, degrees, etc.).
• Final Filing Date: 2/10/2026.
• Application submission methods:
  Cal Career electronic submission, mail, or in-person as described in the posting.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and should address specified questions with numbered responses; follow provided formatting guidelines.

• Strong scientific and policy background related to coastal and ocean issues in California.
• Experience with California Native American tribes; experience developing or analyzing regulations, policy, or legislation related to biodiversity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work in fast-paced environments.

Benefit information is available on the CalHR and CalPERS websites. Hiring unit contact:
Michael Esgro, ,  EEO information and reasonable accommodations: contact the department’s EEO Office or the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator.

The State of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is an objective of the State to maintain a drug-free workplace. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information to support eligibility and qualifications.