How to Apply

 

 

 

As a state department, CalRecycle accepts applications through a civil service application process, which is a merit-based system designed to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all applicants. California has a centralized employment website called CalCareers where applicants can search for and apply for state jobs. Within the state system, job titles are called classifications. Similar classifications are often grouped into a series that illustrates the advancement opportunities available along that career path.

Current Job Openings

  • All CalRecycle civil service job openings are listed on the California State Jobs site under “Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.” The site also provides information on how to apply for any state job. You can create an online account to store applications and receive notices about vacancies.

Main Steps to Apply for a State Job

  1. Create an account with CalCareers.
  2. Identify a specific job you wish to apply for at CalRecycle.
  3. Take an exam that indicates you are eligible to apply for your selected job classification. Don’t be intimidated.
    • Many state exams are questionnaires that assess your qualifications.
    • Include all relevant work and volunteer experience related to the job classification.
    • You may need to consult your college transcript to include the number of units or classes you have taken on related topics.
  4. Fill out an application (form STD 678) and save it to your CalCareers account to use as an electronic template to apply for future positions.
  5. Most job announcements will also include a duty statement that includes a more specific job description and a working job title that is often written by the hiring manager.
  6. Read the job announcement carefully to see if there are any other additional supplemental questions or requested materials like school transcripts, resumes, a cover letter, or references.

Tips for Applying for a State Job

  • Be sure to include in your application and resume any key words from a job’s duty statement that apply to your education or experience.
  • Many applications ask for a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in which you must respond to specific questions. This takes more time to do, but since far fewer people apply for these positions because they don’t want to spend the time doing an SOQ, you have a better chance of getting an interview for one of these positions.
  • Upload your accompanying documents to your application as smaller, PDF files
  • You will stand out if you always include a cover letter and resume, even if the application doesn’t ask for one.
  • After you finish filling out your online application, but before you submit it, download it as a PDF to see how it will appear when printed. Check that on the PDF version the bullet points line up properly in the “Duties Performed” section. This detail can make a difference when your application is printed for the hiring manager.

CalRecycle Social Commitee

Remember, before you apply to a job, you must take the job classification exam to become eligible to apply. CalRecycle frequently hires the following job classifications.

  • Accountant
  • Associate Governmental Program Analyst
  • Attorney
  • Auditor
  • Engineering Geologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Information Systems Analyst
  • Office Technician
  • Personnel Specialist
  • Program Analyst
  • Program Technician
  • Recycling Specialist
  • Research Program Specialist
  • Staff Services Analyst
  • Waste Management Engineer