What are the responsibilities and job description for the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST position at Department of Pesticide Regulation?
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!
This position plays an important role in the implementation of DPR’s statewide pesticide registration program that is responsible for evaluating the impact of proposed pesticide products on human health and the environment. Working under the close supervision of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist performs a range of duties including but not limited to:
- Researches, analyzes, and develops proposed environmental permitting packages on the Department’s proposed registration decisions, including public reports, consistent with the program’s functional equivalency status under CEQA utilizing systematic and critical investigation skills. Evaluates, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes complex scientific data/evaluations of data in the scientific disciplines of toxicology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, environmental fate, microbiology, air, and water supporting the registration or amendment of pesticide products to protect the State’s natural resources and public health, and carries out the goals and objectives of the program.
- Analyzes and responds to public comments raising significant adverse environmental points on proposed registration decisions. Informs the pesticide manufacturer of the comment, analyzes pesticide manufacturer’s response, and drafts written responses to complex public comments. Ensures responses to all written comments meet CEQA requirements for public postings of the Department’s final registration decisions.
- Performs pest management analysis, assessment, research, and investigations to determine similarity of new and amended pesticide product formulations and compares intended uses to previously approved pesticide products. Assesses percentage and composition of chemicals, pest organisms (including insects, plants, and microbes), methods of pesticide applications, and application rates on pesticide labels.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- The duties of this position are performed indoors in a high-rise building under artificial lighting
- The candidate must possess the ability to:
- Use a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard within an 8-hour day
- Lift and carry 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
Department Information
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 fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. Come join our team at DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.
Located at 1001 I Street, the CalEPA building has many great amenities including on-site daycare and fitness center; nearby light rail, Regional Transit, and suburban bus lines; transit incentives and more.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- 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.
- 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: 4/25/2025Who 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Degree and/or School Transcripts
- Statement of Qualifications - A response to the statement of qualifications (SOQ) is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The instructions are listed in the "Statement of Qualifications" section of this advertisement. You must answer the statement of qualifications prompt in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the prompt in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.
Desirable Qualifications
- Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills
- Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to apply scientific methods and principles
- Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize complex information, scientific data, and environmental reports to reach sound conclusions
- Ability to work independently, organize and set priorities on assignments, and meet deadlines
- Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
- Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
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.
Team Work: Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships. Works toward accomplishment of group goals. Fosters commitment, team spirit, pride and trust.
Customer Service Orientation: Works to ensure stakeholders receive high quality information, that their feedback is acted upon, and that their complaints are handled effectively. Develops trust and credibility with stakeholders.
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:
Lauren Texeira
(916) 322-9941
lauren.texeira@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Austin Eaker
(916) 324-3463
austin.eaker@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.
Statement of Qualifications
You must provide a statement of qualifications (SOQ) and follow all instructions for answering the SOQ prompt in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.
Instructions:
Your response must be typewritten, no more than one 8-1/2" x 11" page in length, using standard margins and 12-point font. Include your name at the top of the page. You do not need to retype the question in your response.
SOQ Prompt:
Based on the duty statement for this position, describe two qualities/skills that make you a good fit for this position.
Note: Resumes, letters, hyperlinks and other materials will not be evaluated or considered a response to the Statement of Qualifications.
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.
