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

Are you passionate about safe produce in California? The California Department of Food & Agriculture's (CDFA) Produce Safety Program (PSP) is hiring produce inspectors to help farmers understand how to comply with the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR). Are you skilled in training and communication? Knowledgeable on food safety issues? PSP is hiring those up to the challenge. Apply today!

PLEASE NOTE: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see "special requirements" section for statement of qualifications instructions.

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory) within the PSP, the Environmental Scientist will conduct on-farm environmental assessments and farm inspections to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the PSR, upholding the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) approach of "educate before and while we regulate" for FSMA implementation.

The incumbent must be able to be commissioned and credentialed by FDA to perform work concerning present and future environmental issues relating to food safety and must work with industry to bring production/facility sites into compliance with FSMA requirements. The incumbent will be responsible for on-farm inspections to ensure that PSR standards are met and that effective on-farm training and communication are in place. The incumbent will use a prioritized inspectional approach to conduct specific statewide inspections and procedural activities for the PSP.

The Environmental Scientist will be responsible for carrying out inspections and implementing the PSR in the Central Valley and Southern California Regions. This includes, but is not limited to the counties of Kern, Tulare, Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Ventura. The incumbent may be required to go to other locations throughout California as needed. Please see duty statement for additional information.

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

This position requires the incumbent to work cooperatively with others; maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance; and exercise good judgment. The incumbent must have good written and oral communications skills. This position requires the incumbent to work from home and to travel by air, private or state vehicle, or other transportation modes to various locations throughout the State. This position is based in Central Valley California; however, travel throughout California may be required. It may be possible for the person to live outside the region. The incumbent must possess a valid California driver's license to operate a personal or State vehicle in order to perform the essential functions of this position.

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

The duties of this position are performed in various environments, which consist of working outdoors approximately 70% of the time and indoors 30% of the time. The outdoor activities include visiting and traveling overnight to farms, processing plants, trainings, meetings or conferences. Outdoor work may also include walking on uneven ground; carrying and using sample equipment; and conducting visual environmental assessments, field inspections, and data recording. Incumbent may be required to travel and be in field locations during inclement or severe weather.

Indoor work will be performed from a workstation equipped with standard office equipment. Indoor activities may include trainings, presentations, and computer and electronic communication. This position requires the ability to operate a computer terminal, calculator, photocopier, fax, and telephone; participate in, give presentations at, and interact with others at meetings; grasp papers, small objects, and manuals; and maneuver above shoulder level and below waist level to access upper and lower files and cabinets.

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-430510

Position #(s):
018-775-0762-003

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:
Kern County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The Inspection and Compliance Branch deals with a broad range of environmental, environmental health, and on-farm management issues related to protecting public health. The Branch consists of the following programs: Shipping Point Inspection Program; Produce Safety Program (PSP); State Organic Program; Direct Marketing Program; Standardization Program; Avocado Inspection Program; OCal Program; Citrus Program, and the Technical Assistance Program for Produce Safety. The Branch includes a multi-disciplined staff, including Agriculture Program Supervisors; Environmental Scientists; subject matter specialists; inspectors and investigators; and technical and support staff. The PSP is responsible for the implementation of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), one of seven new regulations under Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Special Requirements

Due to the duties of this position, FDA Commission with Credential will be required as a condition of permanent State employment. Once hired, the application process for the FDA Commission with Credential will begin and can take approximately 3-4 months. Commission appointment requires the incumbent to be a citizen of the United States or United States National, and to undergo a detailed background check and live scan fingerprinting. For additional information regarding this process, please see the US Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Procedures Manual available at https://www.fda.gov/media/71888/download .

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.

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.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ):

Applicants are required to submit an SOQ answering the questions below, in addition to submitting a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is requested to elicit information regarding each applicants interest and experience in relation to this position. The completed SOQ should not be more than two (2) pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses. An SOQ that does NOT conform to the specifications or is incomplete will not be considered. Only those applicants who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit transcripts or degree if available.

1. Please describe the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and what it means for the rule to be a set of data-driven, risk-based regulations?

2. Please describe your knowledge and experience with food safety, food microbiology and inspections of farms.

3. How does your knowledge and experience prepare you to inspect farms under the Produce Safety Rule?

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: 5/31/2024
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 Resource Branch JC-430510
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-430510
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-430510
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 required and must be included.
• Degree and/or 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.

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:
Wendy Hoag
(916) 597-7526
wendy.hoag@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.