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 general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist working at the journey level in the Ecotoxicology program, analyzes non-target toxicity data for a complex and environmentally sensitive statewide pesticide registration program that protects the State's natural resources and public health. Independently applies scientific methods and principles to identify environmental hazards and risk mitigation strategies, and develops regulatory and policy recommendations for the evaluation of pesticides in California.

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

Working Conditions

• Work indoors in a high-rise building under artificial lighting
• Use a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard within an 8-hour day
• Lift data volumes weighing up to 10 pounds

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-451051

Position #(s):
814-520-0762-216

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.

Would you like to be part of a team charged with protecting human health and preserving California's environment? If you are, look no further than the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, DPR is a self-funded department dedicated to protecting human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and fostering reduced-risk pest management. We offer a progressive and friendly, cooperative work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and enthusiasm for learning. Located at 1001 I Street, the CalEPA building has many great amenities including on-site daycare, light rail, RT and suburban bus lines, transit incentives, café, fitness center with showers, and more.

DPR's Pesticide Evaluation Branch is recruiting for a Environmental Scientist in its Ecotoxicology program.

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 regulating pesticide sales and use, and by fostering reduced-risk pest management. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

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: 10/17/2024
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
Human Resources Branch
Attn: Sarah Kirschling
1001 I Street, MS 4B

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
Sarah Kirschling
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Supplemental Application - A response to the supplemental questions is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental questions and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions 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:

• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
• Advanced degree in biological science or a similar specialty
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to learn quickly and solve problems independently

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:
Sarah Kirschling
(916) 445-5936
sarah.kirschling@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Shannon Mitchell
(916) 445-0011
Shannon.Mitchell@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.

Supplemental Questionnaire
You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions:

Each response should be on its own piece of paper, no more than one page in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt. Arial font. Indicate your name and question number at the top of each page.

Questions:

Based upon your knowledge of the Department and duties associated with the position for which you are applying, please describe how your education and experience qualifies you for this Environmental Scientist position. Include a description of personal and professional skills and abilities you already possess, and how they will help you successfully fulfill the job duties.

DPR's Ecotoxicology program evaluates pesticides' effect to non-target fish and wildlife. What types of considerations would you have, and what types of data would you incorporate, when evaluating the environmental risks of a pesticidal product?

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not take the place of the supplemental application.

Critical Job Competencies

• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to and from individuals or groups in a manner that engages and creates greater understanding of the message. Translate complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers.

• Organization and Planning: Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities and sets a reasonable pace. Coordinates realistic timeframes and delivers services in a timely manner.

• Takes Action and Shows Initiative: Work well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical organizational/program/unit goals. Demonstrates strong work ethic.

• Relationship and Partnership Building: Builds and effectively utilizes relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with colleagues and superiors. Works through complex situations effectively, diplomatically and with sensitivity without losing credibility or trust.

• Problem Solving: Employ analytical abilities, pragmatism, and other tools necessary to resolve complex problems in a variety of situations. Shows enthusiasm for the tackling technical and intellectually complex issues.

• Effective Negotiation: Effectively reach understanding and agreement with a broad range of people internally and externally. Use facts and argument to create a meeting of the minds among stakeholders with different viewpoints.

• Analytical Thinking: Approaches a problem by using logical, systematic, and sequential approach.

• Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness.

• Teamwork: Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships. Works toward accomplishment of group goals. Fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

• Customer Service Orientation: Puts in place systems and processes to ensure clients receive high quality information, that their feedback is acted upon, and that their complaints are handled effectively. Develops trust and credibility with the client.

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.