Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

The Feed, Fertilizer, and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services (FFLDRS) Branch is recruiting to fill one (1) Environmental Scientist position located in Fresno.

Under direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), under the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP), the Environmental Scientist will perform environmental and agricultural impact assessments, including the evaluation of fertilizing materials for adulterants and contaminants. The incumbent applies Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to fertilizing materials; implements in-field analysis of high-risk Organic Input Materials (OIM) through a mass balance analysis; obtains samples for data collection; performs inspections and investigations; performs statistical analysis and in-field review of commercial labeling. The incumbent prepares and presents clear and concise reports. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Evaluate fertilizing material products for possible adulterants and environmental contaminants (heavy metals, plant growth regulators and other pesticides, synthetic ingredients in Organic Input Materials) to prevent environmental contamination and preserve organic integrity.

• Participate in the development of regulations, policies, and guidelines to mitigate the environmental impact that could result from the distribution and application of adulterated fertilizing materials on California soils.

• Perform scientific analysis of Organic Input Material firms that produce liquid fertilizers over 3% Total Nitrogen through mass balance analysis as these fertilizing materials are classified as higher risk for adulteration by the National Organic Program.

• Utilize heavy metals database management and fertilizing material database (Extraview) to develop environmental exposure analysis for agricultural crops due to environmental non-nutritive metal hazards.

• Interpret and apply California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) lab analysis reports for program management to identify areas of risk and higher violation rates.

• Perform statistical analysis of fertilizing materials sampling by participating in the preparation of CDFA's annual fertilizing materials sampling summary, as required by law.

• Develop scientific methodologies for new statistically valid sampling methods (i.e. liquid tube validation, sampling of 55 gallon drums, 5-gallon buckets, etc.).

• Maintain knowledge of and ability to use a variety of tools and devices for statistically valid fertilizer sampling.

• Work with management to develop biochar standards by promulgating new regulations recommended by the Secretary.

• Travel using a State vehicle to conduct inspections of fertilizing materials licensees, distributors, retailers, and growers for compliance with the law.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are performed approximately 80% outdoors and 20% indoors. The indoor workstation is in Fresno, and is supplied with a vehicle and the necessary equipment, tools, and supplies to perform their duties, including, but not limited to, mobile phone, laptop computer, printer/copier/scanner, desk, and desk chair.

During activities while in the field, the employee may be exposed to gases, dirt, odors, noise, fumes, uneven surfaces, extreme temperatures or weather conditions, and fast moving equipment. Trucks, railcars, ships and other conveyances of feed and fertilizing materials are sampled outdoors during loading at the manufacturing and distribution locations, while in transit, or upon delivery at the plants, farms, distributor, retailer, or livestock operation.

Travel by State vehicle within assigned area is required on a routine basis. Limited out-of-state travel to perform inspections and collect samples may also be required. Travel by car, air, or other public transportation system to attend in-state and out-of-state meetings, follow up with field staff, local, State and federal agencies, and advisory board/subcommittee meetings will occasionally be required. Employee may be required to travel in severe weather.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-430144

Position #(s):
014-711-0762-XXX

Working Title:
Environmental Scientist

Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,145.00 - $5,132.00 A
$5,037.00 - $6,250.00 B
$6,375.00 - $7,926.00 C

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Fresno County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The Feed, Fertilizer, and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services (FFLDRS) Branch assures safety of feed and food products, safety to persons, and safety to the environment by regulating sales, labeling, and use of fertilizing materials, feed, and livestock drugs. The Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP) is responsible for regulating the distribution and labeling of conventional and organic fertilizing materials in California; registration of fertilizing materials labels; and support research to advance the agronomic use of fertilizing materials while protecting the environment through the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP).

Special Requirements

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within thirty (30) days of appointment, on an annual basis, and upon vacating the position. The incumbent must complete an Ethics orientation training course within six months of assuming a Form 700 covered position, and every two (2) years thereafter, by December 31 of each numbered year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment. **Only applicable for incumbents placed in Environmental Scientist, Range C.

This position requires a valid California Driver's License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resource Branch JC-430144
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Food & Agriculture
Human Resource Branch JC-430144
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-430144
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Brittnie Williams
(916) 862-4014
Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 10/2023 version.

Additional Information

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.