Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)

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!


The Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) supervises and directs the work of professional scientific or technical staff and performs the most complex professional scientific office and fieldwork assignments for the Environmental Monitoring Branch's Groundwater Protection Program (GWPP). The Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) is responsible for directing employees, addressing employee grievances, and evaluating employee performance.

The SES Supervisor also:

• Supervises, hires, trains, and evaluates staff assigned to the Environmental Monitoring Branch's GWPP. Develops operational plans and ensures implementation of program priorities. Responsible for full range of first level supervisory duties; prepares and reviews personnel transactions and documents; participates in sensitive and confidential personnel problems; evaluates and supports staff performance and teamwork to maintain superior quality in completing projects; mentors staff in key scientific skills; identifies training needs; prepares annual performance evaluations; and proactively addresses performance deficiencies utilizing the progressive discipline process.

• Reviews, edits, and writes reports, policies, procedures, and technical publications. Represents the Department and makes presentations to governmental organizations, professional societies, or industry groups. Conducts policy evaluations.

• Conceives, plans, organizes, and supervises the most complex groundwater monitoring studies and oversees research conducted to determine the environmental fate and transport of pesticides. Evaluates study protocols for proper experimental design and statistical analysis, and reviews reports for scientific accuracy and clarity. Participates in the evaluation of collected data and in the development of environmental program policies and procedures based on scientific findings from both internal and external sources.

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

Working Conditions
Employee must have the ability to work in a high-rise office environment and ability to use a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard within an 8-hr day. 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 fieldwork for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions and, also, operate vehicles on public roadways or travel to remote areas. Travel that includes flying and/or driving on short notice and overnight stays will be required on trips to various field locations and community/board meetings.

Employee may occasionally be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to minimize exposure to hazards. PPE include, but not limited to, gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hats, coveralls, and tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment. When respiratory protective equipment is required, the employee must adhere to the fitting requirements stated in DPR's respiratory protection policy.

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.

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-531738


Position #(s):
814-402-0764-986

Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)


Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY) $10,854.00 - $13,493.00
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:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time


Department Information This position is limited-term (12 months); it may become permanent, be extended, or be cancelled at any time.

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. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

In compliance with federal law, all hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. (Note: The Department of Pesticide Regulation does not sponsor visas.)

DPR Recruitment Survey - Please click here to complete the survey
Department Website:


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: 9/29/2026
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 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 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
• Supplemental Application - A response to the supplemental questions is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental questions and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions 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:

• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
• 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:
Human Resources Contact:
Theo Farnum
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Michelle Eamiguel
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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
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Supplemental Application
You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions :
Response must be typed and no more than two pages in length. Response must be written in 12 pt. font, no bullets, no outline, and use standard margins. Please number your responses.

Questions :

• Describe a situation or experience that demonstrates your ability or potential in leading a multi-disciplinary group of scientists.
• The Groundwater Protection Program is involved in many scientific studies dealing with the fate of pesticides in soil, water, and air, particularly in relation to different agricultural practices. Describe your experience working with these topics, emphasizing any field studies where you held a leadership role.

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



Critical Job Competencies

• Coaching/Mentoring/Continual Learning - Legacy leadership - leave a mark; master fundamentals of coaching/mentoring; seize coaching opportunities and align with organizational objectives; pursue self-development; accurately assess strengths and development needs of employees and give timely performance feedback to maximize probability of success.
• 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.
• Conflict Resolution - Recognize dissatisfaction among direct reports and deal with conflict in a timely manner; turn conflict into opportunity for success; and apply alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to specific situations.
• 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.
• Emotional Intelligence/Interpersonal Awareness - Demonstrate recognition of and compassion to the various psychological and emotional needs of people; express feelings clearly and directly; balance feelings with reason, logic and reality.
• 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.
• Flexibility/Adaptability - Readily integrate changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrate openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology; and shift gears comfortably.
• Leading Change/Change Management - Become an agile leader who anticipates change, adapts to it, and uses it to his/her competitive advantage; recognize the forces/signals that cause change; apply techniques agile leaders use to anticipate and monitor the forces of change; promote a consistent "outside the box" culture that embraces new and better ideas; respond to changing circumstances while remaining committed to the department's vision, mission, values, and goals.
• Leveraging/Valuing Diversity - Show sensitivity, respect and value for behavior and values of diverse people; recruit, develop and retain a diverse, high quality workforce; and foster an environment in which people who are culturally diverse can work together cooperatively and effectively.
• Partnering/Networking - Develop networks and build alliances; participate in cross-functional activities to achieve organizational objectives; and facilitate open and transparent communication of program priorities to effect responsive service.
• 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.
• 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.

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.