As the Environmental Program Manager I (EPM I) for the Office of Spill Prevention and Response’s (OSPR) Resource Restoration Program, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team dedicated to restoring wildlife and habitats injured by oil spills and hazardous releases.
This position offers a rare opportunity to guide statewide restoration efforts in response to oil spills and hazardous material releases that impact California’s wildlife and habitats.
Reporting directly to the Deputy Administrator, the EPM I leads a team of environmental scientists and technical experts responsible for assessing ecological injury, negotiating complex settlements, and restoring injured natural resources through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. This role requires both strategic vision and technical expertise. The incumbent provides high-level guidance on policy development, program operations, and interagency coordination. As the Department’s representative on major NRDA and CERCLA cases, the EPM I plays a key role in settlement negotiations and site remediation strategies, including serving as an expert witness in litigation and public hearings.
The position demands strong leadership and the ability to navigate sensitive political and environmental challenges. The EPM I is responsible for building consensus among diverse stakeholders, mentoring staff, and developing collaborative relationships with tribal governments, federal agencies, and private sector partners. The successful candidate will manage a complex budget, oversee administrative and personnel matters, and provide executive-level input on restoration priorities and funding strategies.
This role supports the protection and restoration of California’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems while shaping the future of environmental restoration in a dynamic and fast-paced response environment. Candidates should be passionate about public service, science-driven policy, and environmental stewardship.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.
Class Title: Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is in an office environment and involves sitting most of the time, and the use of a computer and standard office equipment. Occasional travel may be required. Public contact work may require irregular hours, the wearing of a DFW uniform and operating state vehicles with a valid driver’s license.
Additional Conditions: OSPR is a 24-hour oil and pollution spill response organization. The incumbent in this position can be required to participate in prevention and response training, drills and incidents throughout California, and to be available to deploy/travel with short notice for extended periods of time (up to 7 days).
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Please refer the Job description for details