Environmental Scientist at Department of Food & Agriculture Ventura County, CA

Job Description and Duties Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies. Performs environmental analysis, studies and surveys concerning present and future environmental, environmental health and natural resource management issues to address concerns related to regulatory pest prevention measures. Implements enforcement of State Interior quarantines and Federal domestic quarantines measures for invasive pests that could negatively impact the State’s natural resources and native fauna flora. Evaluates data from quarantine implementation activities on the effects of regulatory measures on vegetation, wildlife, land, water supplies and other aspects of the environment. Applies data to assist in the development of solutions to problems found in order to protect the State’s natural resources and agricultural industry from any negative effects that may arise with the enforcement of quarantine regulatory activities aimed at to contain and or to prevent the spread of invasive plant pests and diseases. Prepares regulatory permits and protocols and other documents for state, county and local agencies to ensure that each entity is following current quarantine regulations and the State’s agricultural land and natural resources are not in danger from harmful pollutants. This includes performing scientific analysis on the effects of quarantine regulatory activities on the environment and enforcement of applicable environmental standards. Prepares and presents scientific information at training sessions on the identification, prevention, survey, sampling, environmental issues, as well as other quarantine regulations regarding invasive pests and/or diseases. This involves gathering pertinent data, performing analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies to provide instructional procedures to ensure the protection of the State’s agricultural and natural resources. Presentations are presented to County Agricultural Commissioner’s staff, CDFA, USDA, UC Extension Specialists, seasonal staff, nursery operators, licensed pest control operators, and other agency staff or industry representatives or members of the general public. Meets and confers with individuals such as growers, ranchers, nurseries and commercial agricultural entities as well as stakeholders to provide regulatory guidance in order to obtain compliance with current laws and regulations. Sustains an efficient office and personal library on pest prevention information, sampling and survey methods, and pesticide information. Ensures all records/data regarding pest prevention and quarantine regulations are up to date and assists the SES in evaluation of new data obtained. Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Working Conditions The duties of this job are performed both outdoors and indoors. When assigned to work outdoors, approximately 80% of the time is outdoor work and 20% indoor and vice versa when assigned for indoor work. Overtime and weekend work may be required. The employee’s workstation may vary and office settings are permanent dwellings leased or owned by the state or cooperating agencies, or office trailers. Travel to these types of locations statewide is necessary in order to accomplish work objectives. Travel may be required on a regular basis for daily, overnight and longer stays to provide quarantine program oversight, administrative activities, oversee county contract requirements and to provide quarantine outreach information to the public and stakeholders. Offices are furnished with a variety of office equipment, which normally consists of desks, tables, chairs, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, computer, computer peripherals, phones, answering machines and fax machines. Work is to be performed in various settings including an office, agricultural and/or urban residential setting. Employee may be exposed to pesticides, live insects, odors, noise, rain, and temperature extremes. Incumbent may be required on short notice to work on emergency projects for the Branch or any other program for the Plant Division. The work environments for these projects closely resemble the above paragraph. Travel by private vehicle or State vehicle or other public transportation systems to various locations to accomplish work objectives throughout the state are required as needed. Incumbent may be required for regular or recurring telework as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. Special Requirements The position(s) requires a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. #J-18808-Ljbffr