Delta Stewardship Council Seeks Next Delta Lead Scientist
Help lead the science shaping the region!
The Delta Stewardship Council, in partnership with the United States Geological Survey, is seeking a nationally recognized scientist to become the next Delta lead scientist. This role is responsible for providing unbiased scientific expertise to the Council, the Delta Science Program, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta science community. Additionally, the Delta lead scientist communicates science in a manner that is understandable to the intended audience.
Applications received by 11:59 PM on January 17, 2027, will receive priority consideration. The position will start in late 2027.
Learn more about this role, including responsibilities and desired qualifications: Lead Scientist Recruitment Flyer (PDF)
About the Delta lead scientist role
“Being the Delta lead scientist means caring, and sharing your talents toward effective and forward-looking stewardship of an exceptional place,” says current Delta Lead Scientist Dr. Lisamarie Windham-Myers. “And doing so with a passionate, professional team of visionary scientists, engineers, and policy experts. Few places are as precious and yet vital to the well-being of people at the local, regional, and national scales. Furthermore, few places are changing so rapidly from year to year due to natural processes and human decisions. If you are interested in making an impact, this is the role of a lifetime for a scientist.”
About the Delta Science Program
California’s Delta is formed at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and presents one of the most significant water and environmental management challenges in the world. The Council created the Delta Plan as a map for achieving the coequal goals of a reliable statewide water supply and a protected, restored Delta ecosystem in a manner that preserves the values of the Delta as a place, as required by the Delta Reform Act of 2009. The Delta Plan called for the Council’s Delta Science Program to develop and publish a Delta Science Plan to identify actions for acquiring, synthesizing, coordinating, and communicating the best available science to achieve the vision of “One Delta, One Science.”
The Delta Science Program supports scientific research in the Delta through competitive research solicitations, directed actions, and fellowships, and has awarded over $50 million in competitive funding for Delta science since 2010 across more than 160 projects. The impact of some of this funding can be explored in the 2026 Research Impact Assessment (PDF).