Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

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 close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientists apply scientific methods and principles to assist with identifying environmental problems, conduct scientific investigations on the use of pesticide products in the State, and suggest mitigation measures. They assist the lead Senior Environmental Scientists (Specialists) with implementation of pesticide reevaluation program, the Birth Defect Prevention Act, the Pesticide Contamination Prevention Act, and the risk assessment/mitigation program. They also gather environmental scientific data and information on currently registered pesticide products undergoing reevaluation or risk assessment and perform preliminary analysis as a part of a complex and environmentally sensitive statewide pesticide registration program, which protects the State’s natural resources and public health.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The candidates must possess the ability to: 

• Complete the duties of these positions indoors in a high-rise building under artificial lighting
• Use a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard within an 8-hour day
• Lift data volumes weighing up to 10 pounds
• Occassional travel by automobile or air to different areas of the state may be required 

Note: These positions 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 1st, 2026, it is anticipated these positions will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

Special Requirements

• These positions are designated Conflict of Interest and require 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.

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:

• Degree in a biological science, or similar specialty 
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills
• Ability to apply laws, regulations, and policies; scientific methods and principles; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review and interpret scientific and environmental reports
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics

Critical Job Competencies

Effective Communication: Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to and from individuals or groups in a manner that engages and creates greater understanding of the message. Translate complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers.

Organization and Planning: Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, and sets a reasonable pace. Coordinates realistic timeframes and delivers services in a timely manner.

Takes Action and Shows Initiative: Work well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical organizational/program/unit goals. Demonstrates strong work ethic.

Relationship and Partnership Building: Builds and effectively utilizes relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with colleagues and superiors. Works through complex situations effectively, diplomatically, and with sensitivity without losing credibility or trust.

Problem Solving: Employ analytical abilities, pragmatism, and other tools necessary to resolve complex problems in a variety of situations. Shows enthusiasm for tackling technical and intellectually complex issues.

Effective Negotiation: Effectively reach understanding and agreement with a broad range of people internally and externally. Use facts and arguments to create a meeting of the minds among stakeholders with different viewpoints.

Analytical Thinking: Approaches a problem by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach.

Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness.

Teamwork: Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships. Works toward accomplishment of group goals. Fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

Customer Service Orientation: Works to ensure stakeholders receive high quality information, that their feedback is acted upon, and that their complaints are handled effectively. Develops trust and credibility with stakeholders.

Benefits

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

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 response must be typewritten, using 12-point font size and be no more than one 8.5" x 11" page in length. Include your name at the top of the page. You do not need to retype the question in your response.

Question:

1. These positions work with complex regulatory frameworks and stakeholder groups while coordinating the assessment of whether a pesticide use pattern poses a risk to the environment or human health. Describe how your education, experience, professional attributes, and skills will help you successfully navigate this complex landscape.

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

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or 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.