The Coastal Commission is a small state agency that is charged with protecting coastal resources and managing coastal development in California.

The mission of the Commission is to implement the Coastal Act and to provide for the balanced use of the coastal zone and to protect, restore, and enhance coastal and marine resources for the continuing benefit of current and future generations. Employees at the Commission enjoy working on a broad range of issues to plan for and manage coastal land uses while protecting important coastal resources including wetlands, habitats that support rare and endangered species, scenic landscapes and views to the sea, public shoreline access and recreation opportunities. The Commission’s staff includes dedicated planners, scientists, attorneys and administrative staff.

The Commission values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission of protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations.

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director for the Energy, Ocean Resources & Federal Consistency Division (Division), the primary responsibility of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) is to manage the work and staff of the Commission’s statewide Energy and Ocean Resources and Federal Consistency Programs.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Managing Commission staff review of:
-All federal projects and federally permitted activities that affect resources in the coastal zone (Federal Consistency).

-Planning and regulatory projects for onshore and offshore energy projects and facilities and projects in ocean waters (i.e., aquaculture, offshore pipelines and cables, artificial reefs, offshore restoration, etc.) (Energy and Ocean Resources).
• Overseeing the analysis of environmental documents, plans, technical reports, coastal permit applications, appeals, federal consistency submittals and Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments, etc. involving energy, ocean resource or federal consistency projects and helping to prepare, review and approve memos, workshop materials, issue summaries, staff reports on coastal development permits or related materials for action by the Coastal Commission.
• Supervising program staff within the Division.
• Leading coordination activities with federal, state, and local agency staff, Commission district and program staff and coastal stakeholders including participation in interagency working groups.
• Coordinating as necessary with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Coastal Management to implement the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
• Developing policy and coordinating programmatic efforts on energy, ocean resource and federal consistency topics.
• Fulfilling internal and external annual reporting requirements for the Division.

Desired skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and the ability to effectively plan, motivate, and organize the work of others.
• Knowledge of land use planning and regulatory processes.
• Familiarity with the functions and relationships of federal, state, regional, county, and city governments and special districts.
• Ability to analyze information, creatively explore alternative approaches, and develop defensible policy positions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to write accurate, complete, and concise staff reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of the impacts of development on coastal resources.
• Knowledge of a broad range of resource protection laws and policies.
• Advanced degree in environmental, biological or marine science a related scientific field.
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with the Coastal Act, the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act and coastal planning and regulatory issues.
• Time management and computer skills including the ability to use data base management systems.
• Experience with environmental justice and/or tribal consultation.

ELIGIBILITY: Individuals on the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) eligible list may apply. List eligibility is obtained by taking the on-line examination at www.jobs.ca.gov. Current state employees or former state employees with transfer or reinstatement rights at the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) level may also apply. (Please note that in order to be eligible to transfer or reinstatement, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) classification.) Appointment is subject to the State Restrictions of Appointment (SROA) provisions. Applicants must clearly indicate the basis of their eligibility, including SROA, surplus, transfer, re-employment status, or list eligibility in the Examination or Title section on the CA State Application (STD 678).

SALARY: Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) $9,268 – $11,522 per month

Learn more about the California Coastal Commission and how to apply.