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

Under general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) performs a broad range of research activities involving data analysis and evaluation, conducting complex data research, program development tools, and training activities for the Citrus Division. The incumbent also works with the Plant Division staff (scientists and technicians) to define scientific and technical principles, business processes, and identify available data sources related to desired maps or graphical displays. The RDS I works closely with staff involved in providing data, maps, and other information as needed for the Citrus Division.

This job is located in Sacramento - Sacramento County.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently compile, edit, and interpret data from several systems including the Pest Damage Report (PDR) database, laboratory data from Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (PPD), and data received from state, federal, county, and other cooperators throughout California to verify citrus pest and disease information is correct and complete.

• Gather and integrate program data from a variety of automated and manual sources within Citrus and other Divisions as needed to report statistical data and comparisons on subject matter such as insect and disease trends, quarantine incidents, and other relevant data.

• Independently, or as part of a multi-stakeholder team, develop databases or GIS tools for tracking and interpreting data collected from the field or cooperators throughout the State. Prepare various written documents, (e.g., technical/final research reports, memorandum, correspondence, interagency agreements for statistical tables, charts, and graphs) for display and uploads files and online reports on the web upon management review.

• Develop training and user support materials with program staff, information technology staff, and information technology contractors, and contractors. Training materials may include user guides, presentations, video, or other media.

• Perform other job-related duties as requested by supervisor.

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 vary; however, 85 percent of the work will be performed in permanent buildings or trailers leased or owned by the state or cooperating agencies or other locations. Must be able to work independently under stressful conditions and be able to originate new ideas/techniques to complete assignments within the budgeted time. This position requires proficiency in the use of personal computers and knowledge of mapping, database, spreadsheet, and word processing software. The incumbent 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 computers. Computer software used may include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, and GIS software.

The remaining 15 percent of the workload may require travel to remote and/or urban areas within the State for meetings or evaluating program progress in the field. When working in the field, the incumbent may encounter extremes in temperature and humidity, variable terrain (smooth to irregular and unstable), and aquatic or riparian situations. The incumbent may work with varied equipment such as global positioning system units and have to drive for several hours, lifting, bending, reaching and climbing, and moving equipment. Noise level for work is variable.

Incumbent may work extended hours and days at any given time in the month including weekends and holidays. Incumbent may also be required to travel, by state vehicle or other public transportation systems on short notice and overnight stays may be required for trips to assist various offices within the assigned district and potentially statewide for information management, statistical reports and analysis, other activities, or meetings.

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.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-436283

Position #(s):
014-362-5742-001

Working Title:
Research Data Specialist l

Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I $6,555.00 - $8,206.00 A

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) mission is legislatively mandated in the California Food and Agricultural Code (FAC), Section 403. It specifically instructs the CDFA to protect agricultural crops as well as ornamental plantings and the native environment from the harm caused by exotic pest invasions. These mandates serve as the basis for the pest prevention program's mission, vision, values and goals: to protect California from the damage caused by the introduction or spread of harmful citrus pests, to provide leadership of pest prevention and management programs that effectively protect California's agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and urban environments from invasive citrus pests and to prevent the entry, spread and establishment of invasive citrus pests detrimental to the State's agriculture, public or natural resources.

Special Requirements

A valid CA Driver's License is required.

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: 6/25/2024
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-436283
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-436283
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-436283
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.
• Other - Cover Letter

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:

• Excellent oral and written skills.

• Experience with geographic information system.

• Experience researching and analyzing complex scientific information and developing recommendations.

• Experience with stakeholder collaborations and communications.

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:
David Phong
(916) 704-8249
david.phong@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.