Job Description

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!

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) at the advanced level independently identifies problems, develops courses of action and conducts extremely complex and scientific investigations and studies on pesticides. The incumbent may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project, program function, or area of expertise. Specific responsibilities include:

Performs the full range of duties involving planning, organizing, and coordinating scientific/technical research to assess the environmental fate and transport of pesticides in the soil and atmosphere; identifies practices to prevent or reduce pesticide impacts on human health and the environment.



Participates in and directs field research studies and field sampling in support of Air Program objectives. Collects, manages, assesses, and interprets field and modeling data in order to make recommendations for actions.



Participates in the identification, evaluation, and development of mitigation options to reduce adverse effects of pesticides on human health. Develops new modeling techniques, methods and technologies that have the potential to prevent adverse public and environmental health effects from pesticide exposure.



Reviews scientific reports submitted by registrants, universities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others. Writes reports, documents, and technical publications as required, and represents the Department to governmental organizations, professional societies, or industry groups; assists in policy evaluations.



Assists in developing laws, rules, regulations, and policy evaluations to address pesticide impacts on human health and the environment.
You will find additional information about the job in the

Duty Statement

.


Working Conditions


Employee must be capable of performing field studies and site visits that may involve hiking or climbing in areas with moderate slopes, unpaved surfaces, undeveloped roads, and other areas or structures where studies may be required. The employee must have the ability to conduct field work for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions and, also, operate vehicles on public roadways or travel to remote areas.

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.SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents


Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-492563

Position #(s):

814-401-0765-212

Working Title:

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification:

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
$7,556.00 - $10,221.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time
Department Information

A

ppointment to this position is pending administrative approval.

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.

The Air Program in the Environmental Monitoring Branch is concerned with reducing exposures to pesticides in ambient air. Our team accomplishes this through the monitoring of pesticides, data assessment, modeling of proposed mitigation and regulatory measures, and outreach to communities across California.
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: 10/2/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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 Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
Attn: T. Farnum
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:



Department of Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
T. Farnum
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814
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 required and must be included. School Transcripts 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.

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:



Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
Benefits


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

Michelle Eamiguel

(279) 399-8006

Michelle.Eamiguel@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


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.

Instructions:

Your answer should be typed in no more than 2 pages in length, double spaced, with Calibri font, and 11-point font size.



Question:

Please describe your education, knowledge, abilities, and experiences that make you qualified for these responsibilities.

Note

: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not take the place of the supplemental application.
Critical Job Competencies

Communication

- Make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; inform, persuade, build consensus; know the audience; facilitate open exchange of ideas/opinions; select and use appropriate communication approach; actively listen; effectively use e-mail; avoid mixed messages - - the body language says one thing, the words another; and apply business-writing principles to all written communications.

Decisiveness

- Make decisions in a decisive and timely manner; willingly share decision-making with direct reports - - transparent decision-making process as warranted; accept accountability for decisions; perceive impact and implications of decisions; take action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences; and enable others to succeed and make decisions for themselves.

Ethics/Integrity

- Create culture of trusting relationships; demonstrate trust and principled leadership; promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tell it straight - - open and honest even about the bad news; admit mistakes - not an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provide examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.

Flexibility/Adaptability

- Readily integrate changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrate openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology; and shift gears comfortably.

Political Acumen

- Identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization; perceive organizational and political reality and act accordingly; consider a broad range of internal and external factors (big picture) when solving problems and making decisions; identify critical, high payoff strategies and prioritize work efforts accordingly; in taking action, demonstrate an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization; formulate strategies that are achievable, cost effective, and address administration and organizational goals; develop and balance operational and strategic management skills; and create a strategic frame of reference.

Problem Solving

- Persevere in the face of obstacles such as diminishing financial resources; know there is more than one way to get to the destination; anticipate problems and encourage a culture of proactive problem solving; and ensure comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of all options in determining the preferred solution.

Project Management

- Garner support for projects; develop work plan with tasks, timeframes, milestones, resources, and dependencies; use resources efficiently and manage effectively within budget limits; anticipate potential problems and institute controls and contingency plans to address them; and monitor project progress.

Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience

- Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks; view mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences; and empower yourself first and then your staff.

Teamwork

- Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships; work toward accomplishment of group goals; value and encourage the input and expertise of others; and foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

Technical Credibility

- Understand and appropriately apply 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 and access other expert resources when appropriate; and translate concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps. 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.