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

Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist performs a range of duties including lead responsibilities over seasonal and permanent staff performing eradication, detection trapping and survey activities, statewide research, detection trapping quality control, post quarantine inspections, outreach and logistics, and writing reports for agricultural programs for PD/EP. This involves interaction with federal, State, county, private agencies, and other interested or affected groups.

• Operate a State vehicle safely and responsibly to perform a broad range of research and assessment activities statewide (in urban, rural, and a gricultural terrain) concerning present and future environmental, environmental health, and natural resource management issues related to protecting the State's agricultural industry, natural resources, and public health from invasive species.

• Conduct pest detection programs and special detection surveys for regional or statewide programs to ensure that the State's agriculture and natural resources remain free of threatening and invasive pests.

• Plan and conduct group or formal training in exotic and invasive pest recognition for county, State and federal personnel.

• Perform and document quality control inspections on insect and plant pathogen surveys.

• Provide technical advice and expertise to county staff, industry, other State regulatory officials, and the public on pest detection and emergency project enforcement policies and procedures.

• Evaluate integrated pest management principles to determine the best eradication strategies to include impacts on human health, the environment, and beneficial organisms.

• Coordinate with regulatory agencies in developing and implementing environmental monitoring methodologies for various eradication projects.

• Distribute and review county detection contracts. Act as the primary liaison between the counties and PD/EP on contract and detection issues.

• Function as a representative for the USDA-PPQ federal Post-Entry Quarantine Program by inspecting imported plants for quarantined or significant plant pests and diseases, reducing the risk of invasive species entering California and/or the United States. Inspections last for a minimum of two years before final authority is given on disposition of the plants.

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 work settings where the incumbent may be required to work may vary and may be conducted outdoors and may be exposed to extreme temperatures and weather, uneven terrain, pesticides, fumes, gases, and odors. They may be offices, warehouses, shops, fields, and yards. The employee may work in isolated locations and may work alone for extended periods. Offices for employees working indoors are equipped with standard office equipment including a desk, chair, phone, filing and storage cabinets, printer, copier and fax machines, and computer. Computer software used may include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher.

The incumbent will be required to drive and must have a safe driving record as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles. A safe driving record is one free from convictions in the past two years for repeated moving violations, or a single serious violation, such as drunk driving or reckless driving.

Incumbent must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work; work well under pressure; make appropriate decisions and well-thought-out recommendations; work independently in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines.

Travel by State vehicle or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the State is required on a frequent basis to assist various emergency projects as needed; overnight travel is required on a frequent basis.

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-415205

Position #(s):
014-641-0762-001

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 primary responsibilities of the Pest Detection/Emergency Projects Branch (PD/EP) are the early detection and prompt eradication of exotic and invasive pests that threaten California's agricultural and natural resources. These are accomplished through the operation of a statewide detection trapping program, special detection surveys, execution of pest eradication programs, maintenance of emergency projects response teams, and implementation of environmental monitoring practices. This is provided through a number of general, federal, and industry-funded programs. PD/EP consults with the Primary State Scientists, global subject matter experts (Technical Working Groups), and regulatory agencies (Department of Pesticide Regulation, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and CALEPA).

Special Requirements

The hiring unit has established the following internal cut-off dates for this Job Control:

• 2 / 2 9/24

• 3/15/ 24

• 3/29 /24

Applications will be reviewed after each date listed above, and selections can be made. However, the Job Control will remain open until the vacancy is filled. If your application is submitted after the most recent cut-off date, it will be applied to the next review period.

Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. The SOQ should have a title of "Statement of Qualifications and your name," be no less than 1 page but no more than 2 pages, single space, 12 Point Arial font, and one (1) inch margins.

The SOQ must include a description of education, experience, skills, and qualities that make the candidate ideal for this specific Environmental Scientist position.

A resume WILL NOT be considered as a substitute for the SOQ.

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 Resources Branch JC-415205
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-415205
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-415205
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.
• 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:
Adam Pena
(916) 584-4069
adam.pena@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.