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

Under the general direction of the Supervising Senior Environmental Scientist (SES), the Senior Environmental Scientist independently identifies problems; develops courses of action; conducts critical and sensitive scientific investigations and studies; prepares guidance, policy, planning or regulatory documents, and may be assigned lead responsibility.

Technical Research and Development -

• Serve as Department technical expert on issues related to fuels and lubricants, and automotive products including alternative fuels.

• Advise representatives of industry, other governmental agencies and the general public regarding technical standards and procedures relating to fuels and automotive lubricants.

• Work closely with the Program Supervisor to identify and open lines of communication with potential stakeholders such as SAE International, vendors, original equipment manufacturers, and local air quality management districts to determine impacts of proposed recommendations, needs and concerns.

• Provide advice to industry and other governmental agencies regarding motor vehicle fuels quality specifications needed to reduce the State's carbon emissions as required by AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), administered under the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

• Provide accurate and reliable analytical support and training on the laws and regulations regarding fuels and lubricants to the Division's investigators, county sealers and their staff; support CARB's mission to reduce air pollution related to fuels in the environment, developing pollution prevention strategies and assessing regulatory requirements.

• Serve as an expert witness and subject matter expert to provide testimony and assistance to district attorneys, the Attorney General and other representatives of the legal and court system, as requested.

• Support the field collection and sampling of fuels, lubricants, and automotive products by conducting field sampling as directed to meet needs of the Division.

Technical Research and Development -

• Research and identify existing fuel standards and specifications for applicability and suitability to potential alternative fuels .

• Research and identify existing analytical methods using established scientific techniques and methods to meet State and county needs, determine the accuracy and validity of the methods on new matrices, and respond to emerging environmental issues and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Provide technical support to the SES Supervisor related to the acquisition of scientific instrumentation and equipment.

• Modify existing and develop new standards and specifications for all fuels and automotive products as required.

Public Outreach -

• Participate in the ASTM International and SAE International consensus group meetings by supporting and assisting the continuing development of quality standards and test procedures for biofuels and zero emission fuel that are adopted into California law and regulations.

• Promote the increased use of alternative fuels in conjunction with ARB and California Energy Commission (CEC).

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 duties of the position are primarily conducted indoors. Some work will be performed at a desk, using a computer or telephone. The majority of work will be done in a laboratory testing fuels, automotive products, and developing test methods using a variety of testing equipment. Work is usually performed in an air-conditioned area. However, the work environment does, on occasion, reach into the high nineties when performing octane testing during the summer months.

The maximum noise level of 80 decibels can be reached when performing octane testing. The work area is somewhat noisy, depending on the equipment in operation. Therefore, ear protection is provided for use in high noise conditions.

The work area contains a large number of chemicals which are considered hazardous. Safety instructions and equipment are provided to reduce exposure to these chemicals. The employee may be exposed to fumes, gases or odors when testing solvents or acids. Some sampling outdoors will be required.

Travel within the State, to other states and to other countries is required approximately 20% of the time in order to consult with industry representatives and to attend meetings of ASTM International, SAE International or other consensus organizations.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-436545

Position #(s):
018-265-0765-006

Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,336.00 - $9,126.00

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Division of Measurement Standards (DMS), is to preserve and defend the standards of measurement essential in providing a basis for value comparison for customers, and fair competition for businesses in the marketplace. The DMS is comprised of two branches: The Laboratories Branch and the Enforcement Branch. Within the Laboratories Branch, the Fuels, Lubricants, and Automotive Products Program (FLAPP) and the Alternative Fuels Quality and Oversight Program (AFQP) operates two laboratories located in Sacramento and Anaheim.

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications should be no longer than two pages, single spaced, a minimum size Arial 12-point, and have your name clearly printed at the top of all pages.

Applicants MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) addressing the following items:

1. Describe your experience in design and management of analytical method development research projects.

2. Describe your experience in a lead position including your ability to oversee projects, troubleshoot issues, and direct or train staff. How do you leverage your strengths to make sure work is moving forward?

3. Describe your ability to develop positive and cooperative working relationships and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with managers, other governmental agencies, stakeholders, and professional organizations.

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: 7/11/2024
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 Resources Branch JC-436545
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-436545
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-436545
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/Diploma
• 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.

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:

Experience with laboratory database system administration and working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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:
Rebecca Bland
(916) 229-3000
rebecca.bland@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.