What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST position at Department of Pesticide Regulation?
Associate Toxicologist is the key entry-level toxicologist position in the Human Health Assessment Branch (HHA). You will work on a team conducting a variety of risk assessments to predict how pesticides can impact human health.
- Evaluate and interpret toxicological studies and a variety of in vivo and in vitro data to advise on acute, subchronic and chronic health effects.
- Participate in various phases of comprehensive human health risk assessment including the development of toxicological profiles, establishing critical points of departure, hazard identification, and risk characterization.
- Interact with HHA’s Exposure Assessment Section to incorporate specific pesticide exposure scenarios into our risk estimations.
- Participate in a variety of rapid or short-term risk analyses of exposure to pesticide residues in diet (food and drinking water), in surface water or groundwater, in air, in cannabis products, and occasionally emergency releases or spray drift events.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Must be able to use a computer for up to 8 hours per day. Occasional travel by car or plane may be required.
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.- ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
If you are passionate about protecting public health through advanced scientific methods, consider joining the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). 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.
The Risk Assessment Section within DPR’s Human Health Assessment Branch conducts cutting edge analyses of the impact of pesticide use on human health. We use a variety of tools and information to inform our recommendations. The HHA team is made up of toxicologists, epidemiologists, data scientists and exposure and risk assessors who work in a data-rich and technically challenging environment. DPR offers a progressive and family friendly work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- This position is designated Conflict of Interest and requires disclosure of economic interests.
- Please include a resume or curriculum vitae that lists presentations, abstracts, and peer-reviewed articles, as well as a copy of educational transcripts in English. 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.
- 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: 5/4/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- Degree and/or School Transcripts
Desirable Qualifications
The most competitive candidate will possess a broad knowledge of subjects including toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, public health, exposure analysis, and epidemiology.
Benefits
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:
Emily Thunen
(916) 324-0554
Emily.Thunen@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
alexis.carriker@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.
Critical Job Competencies
Additional Information
- Relocation expenses may be reimbursed depending on the type of appointment.
- 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.
