How to Apply

    Follow these steps to successfully apply for a state job!

    The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards) protect water quality and allocate surface water rights.

    Waterboards’ headquarters is in Downtown Sacramento with easy highway access and light rail connectivity but we with nine regional boards, we have opportunities all over the state.

    Reasons to join the State Water Resources Control Board team:

    • Make an impact! Help the department achieve its vision of abundant clean water for human use and environmental protection to sustain California's future.
    • We offer exceptional benefits packages, competitive salaries, and strong pension plans.
    • Your talent, experience, and expertise are valued. We encourage professional development and provide defined career paths and promote opportunities for advancement!
    • Diversity matters! WRCB supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
    • We encourage work-life balance and embrace hybrid and flexible schedules.
    • We are constantly raising the bar! WRCB strives for excellence in the business of government and sets yearly strategic goals to consistently improve the water quality and availability in California.

    The Application Process

    1. Create a CalCareers account and profile

    Go to www.calcareers.ca.gov

    2. Research and identify which classifications (or jobs) you are qualified and interested in

    You can search job openings by job title, Location or Industry

    Read the duty statement (job description) and the classification specification for the job carefully.

    The job classification specification will provide you with the minimum qualifications (MQs) required for the position. MQs are the skills, experience, licensure, education, etc. that an individual must have in order to be considered for the position. Review the MQs for the position before taking the exam to make sure you are qualified for the position and have met all requirements.

    If you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, take the exam.

    3. Take an exam

    Examinations are administered through CalHR or through specific Departments to assess knowledge, skills, and abilities of candidates.

    • Search for exams on www.jobs.ca.gov or here to see which classification you are qualified and interested in.
    • Review the Minimum Qualifications, Position Description, Examination Scope, and other important information.
    • Preview the exam by clicking the link under "Examination Information."
    • Take the exam by clicking the link under "Taking the Examination."

    4. Search for jobs

    Once you take and pass an examination, you will obtain list eligibility and will receive a letter stating your score and rank. Your eligibility will also be stored in your personal CalCareers account. Now that you have obtained list eligibility, you can begin to search for specific jobs at www.jobs.ca.gov.

    You can also visit California Department of Human Resource's Steps to a State Job webpage or check out some tutorials for job seekers.

    5. Apply for jobs

    Print the job posting and associated attachments for the vacancy. This contains all the position details such as the duty statement, job description information, special requirements, and contact information for the position. All of this will disappear after the final filing date, so make sure to make copies to study the position. Review the classification specification to understand the duties and tasks necessary for the position.

    How to Prepare a Job Application Package

    Check the job application package checklist which can be found on CalCareers in the Additional Documents section of the job posting.

    The checklist lists the required documents that you must submit when applying for a job on CalCareers. Please note that every job application package may request different required documents (i.e. resume, cover letter, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), transcripts or copy of diploma, or an Employment Application Form (STD 678). Each job opportunity listed on CalCareers will have set requirements for the job application package. This will differ depending on the position and classification. To be considered for the position you are applying for, you must include all the required documents listed on the job application package checklist.

    1. What is always required in a job application package?
      • STD 678
    2. What are additional common components of a job application package?
      • Resume
      • Cover letter
      • SOQ, if applicable
      • Supplemental documentation (certificates, degrees, official transcripts, licenses, etc.), usually listed as “other” on the checklist, if applicable

    How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for some civil service positions. A SOQ is a mechanism for obtaining an applicant’s qualifications and experience in job-related areas. A SOQ consists of a series of questions or requires you to address desirable qualifications. A SOQ may be scored as part of the application screening process and may serve as a writing sample and written interview for the recruitment.

    If you are asked to provide a SOQ, this is your opportunity to showcase the skills, experience, and knowledge you have that is needed to be successful in the position. It will also set you apart and tell the employer why you are the best candidate for the job.

    Make sure you read all the questions and directions thoroughly so that you are able to draft a good SOQ.

    Tips on how to write an effective SOQ.

    Planning

    1. Read the entire job advertisement.
    2. Review and consider each question or desirable qualification that is listed in the job posting.
    3. Refrain from regurgitating what is on your resume.
    4. Allow yourself enough time to complete the required document(s) to eliminate room for errors.
    5. Do not sell yourself short on your experience.

    Writing

    1. Clearly define your experience and how it aligns to the duty statement.
    2. There is not one perfect way to write a SOQ, but the best advice is to make it unique to you.
    3. Remember that grammar, clarity of expression, and legibility are considered in the evaluation process.
    4. If a question doesn’t pertain to you, write in the most closely related answer possible to showcase your transferable skills.
    5. Be specific when answering questions regarding your experience (where, when, what, how, and why).
    6. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
    7. If the question has multiple parts (A, B, and C), answer each part separately.
    8. Address each question/desirable qualification described in the recruitment individually.