Environmental Scientist

Are you interested in a meaningful and impactful career? Would you like to contribute to protecting people and the environment and accelerating a statewide transition to sustainable pest management? The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) could be the place for you!

Under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist (ES) performs less complicated and responsible tasks following detailed instructions and specific standards to identify, research and solve pesticide-related environmental problems. Specific responsibilities include:

• Evaluates the environmental impacts of pesticides proposed for registration using contaminant transport modeling tools, environmental fate and pesticide use data. Meets with pesticide registrants and other DPR staff to discuss evaluation results, additional registration data needs, and potential mitigation measures to reduce the threat of groundwater pollution.
• Plans, organizes, conducts, and coordinates less difficult scientific research studies to determine the environmental impacts of pesticides on soil and water. Participates in field sampling in support of groundwater program objectives. Devises and documents sampling techniques and instructs others in their use. Updates and maintains program databases. Develops Geographic Information System resources for the Environmental Monitoring Branch. Conducts spatial analyses of pesticide impacts to soil, water and air using environmental monitoring and pesticide use data. Prepares ADA-compliant accessible documents for the program.
• Writes scientific reports and technical documents for publication. Participates in departmental and professional peer reviews. Makes oral presentations to governmental organizations, scientific associations, regulated community members and the public. Conducts scientific literature searches and obtains departmental and other data using a variety of software tools and techniques.
• Collaborates with public agencies, universities, growers, registrants, County Agricultural Commissioners, and other stakeholders on environmental monitoring projects of a routine and minor nature. Negotiates and manages extramural contracts and agreements.

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

Working Conditions

• Ability to conduct field studies and site visits that involve hiking or climbing in areas with moderate slopes, unpaved surfaces, undeveloped roads, and other areas or structures where studies may be required
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions
• Ability to operate vehicles on public roadways or travel to remote areas
• Travel on short notice and overnight stays will be required on trips to various field locations and meetings

Note: This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position's designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

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-446717

Position #(s):
814-402-0762-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:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information Appointment to this position is pending administrative approval.

DPR is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and our vision is for pest management that is safe, effective, and sustainable for all Californians and our environment. Our core values include accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and integrity. We are innovative and passionate about the work we do.

DPR values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect human health and the environment by fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. Come join our team at DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

The Environmental Monitoring Branch (EM) has the lead role in carrying out DPR's environmental protection programs, including the Groundwater Protection Program (GWPP). DPR's GWPP evaluates and samples for pesticides to determine if they may contaminate groundwater, identifies areas sensitive to pesticide contamination, and develops mitigation measures to prevent movement of pesticides to groundwater.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

• This position is designated Conflict of Interest and requires disclosure of economic interests.

• If education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must include a copy of your degree and/or unofficial transcripts in order to verify you meet the minimum qualifications. If you use unofficial transcripts to verify you meet the minimum qualifications, you must provide official transcripts prior to your start date, if selected for the position.

• In order to apply for this position, you are required to provide your complete employment history on the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) form. A complete employment history must include, for each position listed, accurate dates, job title or State classification, hours worked per week (please indicate an average if hours worked per week varied), company or agency name, and a full description of duties and responsibilities held. A resume or other materials will not take the place of the complete STD. 678.

• Please do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, marital status, age, national origin, medical conditions, and use of medical leave.

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: 9/11/2024
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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 Pesticide Regulation
Attn: L. Texeira
Human Resources Branch
1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4015
Sacramento , CA 95812-4015

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Pesticide Regulation
L. Texeira
1001 I Street, MS 4B

Sacramento , CA 95814

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 Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of the candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. You must answer the SOQ prompt in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the prompt in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

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:

• Prior experience in environmental chemistry, agronomy, hydrology, soil science, modeling and/or statistics
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• Database and GIS skills
• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity

Critical Job Competencies

• Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; inform, persuade, build consensus; know the audience; facilitate open exchange of ideas/opinions; select and use appropriate communication approach; actively listen; effectively use e-mail; avoid mixed messages - - the body language says one thing, the words another; and apply business-writing principles to all written communications.
• Ethics/Integrity - Create culture of trusting relationships; demonstrate trust and principled leadership; promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tell it straight - - open and honest even about the bad news; admit mistakes - not an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provide examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.
• Flexibility/Adaptability - Readily integrate changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrate openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology; and shift gears comfortably.
• Problem Solving - Persevere in the face of obstacles such as diminishing financial resources; know there is more than one way to get to the destination; anticipate problems and encourage a culture of proactive problem solving; and ensure comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of all options in determining the preferred solution.
• Project Management - Garner support for projects; develop work plan with tasks, timeframes, milestones, resources, and dependencies; use resources efficiently and manage effectively within budget limits; anticipate potential problems and institute controls and contingency plans to address them; and monitor project progress.
• Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience - Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks; view mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences; and empower yourself first and then your staff.
• Teamwork - Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships; work toward accomplishment of group goals; value and encourage the input and expertise of others; and foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.
• Technical Credibility - Understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise; integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and access other expert resources when appropriate; and translate concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

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

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Lauren Texeira
(916) 322-9941
lauren.texeira@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Marsha Guzzi
(916) 445-9542
marsha.guzzi@cdpr.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:
EEO Office
(916) 445-3979
melissa.paden@cdpr.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.

Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of the candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. You must answer the SOQ prompt in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the prompt in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions :
The SOQ response should be typed, no less than one (1) page and no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial 12 pt. font and standard margins. Response should not use bullets or outline formatting. Please number your responses 1-4.

SOQ Prompt :
Describe your experience with the following:

Conducting environmental or biological monitoring

Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting physical, chemical and/or biological data to assess an environmental condition, groundwater contamination, or other scientific work

Science communication for reports, procedures, or oral presentations

Working with the public and/or other interested parties to conduct monitoring, provide outreach, or work on environmental issues

Note: Resumes, letters, hyperlinks and other materials will not be evaluated or considered a response to the Statement of Qualifications.

Additional Information
This is a deep class position with increasing responsibilities; candidate's experience/education will determine which range they will be placed in.

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.