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

This is a re-advertisement for JC-411010. If you have previously applied your application is still on file.

The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) within CDFA’s Inspection Services Division is recruiting to fill one (1) Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) position located in Sacramento.

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) (SES Sup), the incumbent will independently gather and review scientific data, research and investigate issues affecting the environment, food supply, waterways, and air; provide analytical expertise on possible illegal discharge of chemical waste and pesticides to the lands and waters of the State, riparian habitats, and agricultural return flows; apply scientific methods and principles to develop and validate analytical methods that are in compliance with ISO 17025 requirements and meet clients’ needs; mentor and provide training to the Environmental Scientists; and act as a subject matter expert to assist management on complex technical and legal issues. 

This position is responsible for supporting all CAC Laboratories with analytical method modification, development and validation, process improvement, and with data processing. This position performs complex analysis of investigative/environmental samples, ground water monitoring samples, formulated pesticide products, commercial fertilizer samples, and food samples.

The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is the advanced journey level of the series. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project or program function, including but not limited to the following areas of expertise:

• Perform complex and non-routine analysis of environmental, investigative, ground water monitoring, pesticide formulated products, commercial fertilizer samples, and food samples using non-standardized methodologies utilizing various instrumental techniques: Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Liquid Chromatography (LC), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS), Ion Chromatography (IC), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS), Atomic Absorption (AA) and Flow Injection Analyzer (FIA).

• Perform conformational analyses of metals in pesticide investigative samples to provide accurate and reliable data to various local, State, and federal agencies in their legislative tasks.

• Conduct research on hazards related to the impact of pesticides in the environment and in the food supply; review pertinent laws and regulations in support of regulatory and enforcement agencies’ task in developing sound public policies in pollution prevention strategies.

• Develop, modify, and transfer analytical methods or technologies onto new instrumentation to improve data accuracy and system efficiency.

• Independently research and explore new technology and instrumentation for program to remain technically current in the field of chemical analysis.

• Interpret and evaluate complex analytical results and quality control data in order to reach valid conclusions.

• Attend and conduct scientific and expert presentations on laboratory methodologies at various scientific and governmental meetings.

• Participate in internal and external meetings with CAC clients, industry representatives, advisory boards, and other government agencies on various issues.

• Provide training and mentorship to staff on new analytical methods and instrumentations as well as in their professional development.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

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

The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. The employee’s workplace is the CAC. It has laboratory equipment necessary for performing the required analyses. The employee has a desk space, books, and a computer necessary to perform required tasks. The building has an air-conditioning/heating system.

The employee may be occasionally exposed to fumes, gases, or odors when solvents or acids are not properly placed in fume hoods. Noise levels near fume hoods may reach higher than normal levels and earplugs or earmuffs are provided in these areas.

WARNING: Detectable amounts of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm are or may be found in or around this facility. (California Health and Safety Code, Section 25249.6).

Workplace Information:

The Center for Analytical Chemistry has free parking at its facility and is close to a light rail station.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Job Code #: JC-436704

Position #(s): 014-777-0765-005

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: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) provides invaluable services to California related to sensitive food, feed, and environmental safety issues including crop protection, farm worker safety, data gathering, investigative study activities, and emergency response. CAC is one of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) laboratories operating under the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to respond to emergencies involving chemical contamination of food. CAC plays an integral role in California’s comprehensive regulatory program by providing accurate and reliable analytical support to the County Agriculture Commissioners, State Agencies, and various Departmental programs. The laboratory performs air, soil, and water analyses mandated by the Clean Air and Ground Water Protection Acts.

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 Resource Branch JC-436704

1220 N Street, Room 242

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 - College Transcripts

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.

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:

1. Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

2. Strong presentation skills, utilizing modern tools to effectively communicate data and results.

3. Expertise in troubleshooting LC, GC and MS instrumentation issues.

4. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

5. Proficiency in VBA programming is plus.

6. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

7. Excellent Research and analytical skills.

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