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

The Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch (PPDB) is recruiting to fill two (2) Environmental Scientist positions located in Sacramento.

Under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent performs a broad range of scientific and professional duties involving research, environmental analysis, and training and outreach regarding insects and other invertebrates for the Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch. The duties include, but not limited to:

• Perform complex analyses of environmental samples collected in the field, including biological, plant pests, insects, and other invertebrates, using appropriate methodologies (e.g., morphological evaluation, dissection, imaging and electron microscopy, molecular methods). Refer to pertinent world-based literature and databases, reference collections, and fellow State scientists to carry out appropriate procedures towards identification of insect and other invertebrate pests, to obtain and record quantitative values of plant pest and invasive species data in support of and to serve as the scientific basis for regulatory activities carried out by federal state, and county agencies to protect the environment and agricultural productivity from harm due to plant pests.

• Perform molecular procedures using complex analytical equipment and methods to obtain DNA data from environmental samples of insects or other invertebrates. These methods include DNA extraction, PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, gel electrophoresis, direct sequencing, and other DNA-based methods. This includes the operation of sensitive instruments and equipment, including thermocyclers, centrifuges, geldocs, micropipettes, etc.

• Follow standard protocols for recording and maintaining DNA database entries and log books to ensure accuracy of data and for troubleshooting, and to maintain equipment as specified in the equipment manuals to comply with all associated requirements including quality assurance to ensure data quality is legally defensible, achieves desired diagnostic capability, and meets regulatory enforcement and industry needs and complies with state and federal guidelines and regulations for environmental data quality.

• Conduct collaborative research and diagnostic projects. Develop new and revise existing protocols for handling, preparing, screening and processing environmental and agricultural pest samples (e.g., dissection techniques, imaging and electron microscopy procedures, molecular methods, etc.) by applying innovative technologies and standard scientific methods and principles towards providing accurate and timely identifications to meet client needs and to address scientific questions and emerging environmental, agricultural productivity, trade and phytosanitary issues.

• Provide training to scientists and technical staff on basic and advanced methods, protocols and procedures in diagnostics and research on insects and other invertebrates of environmental or agricultural importance. Provide training to other State, County, Federal, university, or other clients and institutions on current and pertinent diagnostics and research techniques and methods for insects and other invertebrates that impact agricultural productivity, the environment, and the public. Where training is to be provided off-site, travel will be required.

• Preserve and prepare scientific specimens of insects and other invertebrates from environmental sampling for incorporation into the California State Collection of Arthropods (CSCA), the State's primary repository for environmental and agricultural samples. Accession, catalog, and curate specimens into the CSCA, including the frozen tissue/DNA collection and the collection of Type specimens. Use proper preservation techniques (slide mounting, chemical staining, chemical drying, point mounting, pinning, alcohol storage) for incoming specimens, incorporate specimens into the proper taxonomical arrangement in the CSCA, and develop and implement proper record keeping of bulk environmental survey samples of insects and other invertebrates of environmental and agricultural importance. to support accurate identification of pests that pose a threat to California agriculture or the environment.

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

Work is accomplished mainly in the Entomology Laboratory in the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (PPDC) in the CDFA Meadowview complex in Sacramento. The laboratory houses the California State Collection of Arthropods, a major scientific collection that serves as a primary reference collection for diagnostics and research. Thousands of volumes are housed in the literature reference library, including a special entomology reprint library. Working facilities consist of at least one office/science laboratory room per scientist; office/science laboratory rooms for technical staff; and several common laboratory rooms. Individual office/laboratory spaces are each equipped with one built-in standing-height counter with cabinets, a sink with eyewash, a fume hood, wall-mounted bookshelves, and assorted tables, shelves, desks, file cabinets, insect cabinets to accommodate specimens for diagnostic reference and research, microscopes, fiber optic lights, digital photography systems, computers, printers, scanners, books and other literature, and various equipment and supplies. PPDC houses four other scientific laboratories (Botany, Nematology, Plant Pathology, and Seed Botany).

PPDC is located near public light rail transportation and offers free parking.

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-426747

Position #(s):
014-620-0762-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:
2

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services (PHPPS) Division, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch (PPDB) serves as a scientific resource, providing accurate and timely plant pest diagnostics and professional expertise to CDFA and our clientele. PPDB delivers cutting-edge research on the identification and characterization of plant pests for California's agricultural and natural ecosystems. For more information: www.cdfa.ca.gov .

Special Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items with your standard state application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678), copy of your college transcripts (official or non-official), and complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The completed SOQ must address the two items below, and shall not exceed one single-spaced page in length, using Arial, 12-point font size, and one-inch margins. Applications that do not include a copy of school transcripts and the SOQs below will not be considered. Résumés, letters, and other materials may be submitted, but will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.

Statement of Qualifications:

1. Please describe your laboratory benchwork experience (including the number of years of experience) post BA/BS degree performing plant-based diagnostic testing in one or more of the following areas: plant pathology, virology, bacteriology, mycology, phytoplasmas, entomology, nematology, weed pests or GMO detection.

2. Describe why you would be qualified to work in a fast-paced high throughput laboratory performing repetitive tasks.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 5/20/2024
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 Resources Branch JC-426747
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 Resources Branch JC-426747
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-426747
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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the "Special Requirements" section.
  

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.

Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• One year of experience performing plant pest diagnostics laboratory tests.

• Experience performing and interpreting data from ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assays) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) including qPCR, RT-PCR and conventional PCR diagnostic tests.

• Knowledge of technical equipment such as ELISA plate reader, thermocyclers, automated liquid handlers.

• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

• Ability to work and prioritize in a fast-paced team environment.

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:
Kari Sedra
(916) 262-1100
kari.sedra@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.