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!
Coordinates and conducts multidisciplinary product compliance inspections and investigations conducted at manufacturing facilities, pesticide dealers, retail locations, ports, wholesale distribution centers and online as it relates to cannabis cultivation. Conducts neutral-scheme and for-cause environmental compliance inspections/ investigations of pesticide products to determine compliance with Federal and/or State pesticide laws and regulations. Conducts U.S. EPA special requests and investigates product related complaints or tips where pesticides used for cannabis are manufactured, sold, used or stored.
Reviews pesticide label claims; collects photographic, documentary and physical evidence; prepares investigative reports of findings; issues violation notices for unregistered or misbranded pesticide products; and issues quarantine notices for contaminated commodities. Reviews, evaluates, interprets and determines if pesticide label claims are appropriate, adequate, and applicable for the use on cannabis as intended. Ensures that label additions and modifications are compliant with registration laws and regulations and that scientific data is submitted, reviewed and found sufficient to support the label changes.
In preparation of pursuing enforcement actions, ensures that allegations of non-compliance are supported by scientifically gathered and generated data and that the data sufficiently serves as evidence to substantiate violations. Evaluates levels of compliance; identifies trends and anomalies; develops and recommends means to improve compliance and measures the success of enforcement efforts throughout the marketplace. Interacts, collaborates, and consults with other branches, scientific experts and governmental agencies to evaluate compliance measures. Make recommendations to ensure consistent program integrity and statewide uniformity to protect human health and the environment.
Conducts scientific research and produces statistical analysis of both statewide and regional pesticide sales data to determine the effectiveness of the Department’s cannabis compliance activities, and to ensure environmental program support fees are being collected equitably from all responsible parties. Provides information on suspected violations of the Food and Agricultural Code and California Code of Regulations with respect to pesticide enforcement on cannabis cultivation. Effectively communicates with other regulators; chemical companies; businesses where pesticides used on cannabis are stored, packaged or sold; technical experts; subject matter experts; and legal representatives. Communicates and gathers information regarding the composition and interpretation of pesticide labels; Federal and State regulatory requirements; and pesticide residues. Performs literature and database research.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The collection of samples as indicated for this position requires the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds, bend, squat, and climb over boxes, containers, or pallets; travel by automobile or air may be required to different areas of the State. There is fieldwork performed requiring the ability to maneuver over uneven ground and work in outdoor conditions. Occasional irregular work schedules and statewide travel may be required, which may include overnight stays several days each month.
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
If you are seeking a challenging job that offers the opportunity to become directly involved with preserving California's environment and protecting human health, then this could be the job for you! The Department of Pesticide Regulation, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is predominately self-funded and is currently recruiting to fill an Environmental Scientist position in the Department's Enforcement Branch Southern Regional Office in Santa Ana.
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 regulating pesticide sales and use, and by fostering reduced-risk pest management. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
- 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: 5/16/2025Who 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.
- Supplemental Application -
A response to the supplemental question is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental question and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer the supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the question in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
- Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
- Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
- Candidates must work well both independently and in a team environment and have strong organization and communication skills
- Technical Credibility: Understand and apply appropriate procedures, requirements, policies and regulations related to specialized expertise; integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry. Access other expert resources when appropriate.
- Communication Skills: Clearly communicate and maintain professional relationships with customers and co-workers.
- Problem Solving: Evaluate situations accurately, take effective action, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
- Teamwork: Work effectively within a team-oriented environment and work towards the accomplishment of group goals.
- Ethics/Integrity: Ability to abide by laws and regulations, and create culture of trusting relationships. Demonstrate trust and principled leadership; promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles.
- Customer Service: Identifying and responding to current and future client needs; providing excellent service to internal and external clients.
- Political Acumen: Identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Demonstrate an understanding and consideration of how actions will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
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:
Theo Farnum
(279) 399-8040
theo.farnum@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Brittany Hettrich
(916) 603-7714
brittany.collins@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.
Supplemental Questionnaire
Instructions:
- The response should be no more than one page in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt. Arial font.
- Indicate your name and question number at the top of each page.
Question:
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.
