Senior Environmental Scientist

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

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor (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. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) position is a single classification where the incumbent can be assigned any duty within the class concept.

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.

• Communicate orally, electronically, and in writing with managers and project/study leaders on the status of sample analyses to ensure contract compliance, and meeting clients' needs in a timely manner.

• Review data for accuracy and compile analytical results to generate formal summary reports for management and clients.

• Provide consultative technical assistance to governmental agencies during food and environmental emergency events.

• 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.

• Coordinate with the Quality Assurance (QA) unit to establish complex analytical testing protocols as needed by industry or clients. Work with the QA unit to perform corrective actions to resolve nonconformities to prevent recurrence. Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with the scope of the new methods as new techniques and analyses are added.

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

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

Working Conditions

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

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

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

Position #(s):

Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7, $10,221.00

# of Positions:
2

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) provides invaluable services to California related to sensitive food, 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.

Special Requirements
This position requires a completed Physician's Report prior to appointment.

Application Instructions
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 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 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
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Food & Agriculture

Human Resource Branch JC
1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC
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 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

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:

In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent experience and education over and above that required under the listed minimum qualifications for the classification. Experience in leading research, planning, or consultation in environmental programs, demonstrated environmental management skills, and knowledge of broad principles of economics, social science, and political science will be given preference.

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

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Suzanne Conrad

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:
Office of Civil Rights

California Relay Service: [redacted] (TTY), [redacted] (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Hard copy:
If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.

Additional Information:

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

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.

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