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!

Are you looking to join a dynamic team and work on a variety of projects to help protect human health and the environment? The California Department of Pesticide Regulation's (DPR) Worker Health and Safety (WHS) Branch is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) for the Worker Protection Program (WPP). WPP develops, implements, and evaluates California's pesticide safety regulations for workers, which are intended to provide protections for pesticide handlers and agricultural fieldworkers from pesticide-related exposure. Additionally, WPP develops and disseminates pesticide safety materials and provides outreach and education on pesticide safety to farmworker communities throughout the state. Further, WPP assists with development of mitigation strategies to reduce unacceptable exposures and hazards associated with pesticide use in order to protect workers and the public.

Under general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I, the incumbent performs a full range of tasks focused on evaluation to assess public health and environmental impacts of pesticide use, development of safety regulations to protect workers from potential risks due to pesticide exposure (inhalation from ambient air, dermal, or dietary from food and drinking water), and development and delivery of outreach and education materials designed to increase the awareness of pesticide worker safety issues and concerns based on practical and enforceable measures intended to protect farmworkers from workplace pesticide exposure, as well as to protect family members from exposure to residual pesticides.

Duties include but are not limited to supervising, analyzing, and evaluating staff duties; developing work objectives and performance goals, setting priorities, and establishing timetables for accomplishing staff assignments; and making recommendations for increased protection of workers and persons near pesticide applications; assisting in the development of worker protection strategies and pesticide safety outreach and training projects; communicating with worker advocate group scientists, industry scientists, County Agricultural Commissioner staff, other governmental agency scientists, and the interested public regarding increased protections for workers and persons near pesticide applications; and developing and presenting outreach and educational materials focused on reducing agricultural workers' exposure to pesticides.


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

Working Conditions
Using a computer up to 8 hours per day • Working in a high rise building • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds • Occasional statewide travel with occasional overnight stays. • Exposure to pesticides or pesticide treated areas may be possible and appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn.

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 this 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-536977


Position #(s):
814-100-0764-280

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:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information Appointment 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. 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

• 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: 11/12/2026
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: Ms. T. Kalb
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
Ms. T. Kalb
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 of agricultural practices
• Scientific research methodology
• Interest in environmental and human health
• Critical review of scientific papers
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Products, particularly Excel
• Supervisory or experience as a lead person
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• 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:
Terry Kalb
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Olga Escobar
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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 Questionnaire
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: Each response should be on its own piece of paper, 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.


Questions:


1. Describe your experience supervising staff or acting in a lead capacity, and describe the qualities you think a good supervisor should possess.


2. Describe your experience demonstrating project management skills and your ability to effectively and timely address multiple high priority tasks.


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



Critical Job Competencies
Takes Action and Shows Initiative - Works well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical program goals. Sets and monitors own objectives and standards. Initiates appropriate actions and follows through without prompting or close supervision. Demonstrates strong work ethic.

Relationship and Partnership Building - Builds and effectively uses relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with scientific colleagues and superiors. Can be discreet and tactful when dealing with sensitive issues.

Effective Communication - Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media. Translates complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers. Facilitates the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Organization and Planning - Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, requests assistance when needed.

Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrates technology into the work to improve program effectiveness. Possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and accesses other expert resources when appropriate. Translates 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.