Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

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! The Department of Pesticide Regulation's (DPR) Enforcement Regional Office Branch is recruiting a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) in the Southern Regional Office (SRO), located in Santa Ana.

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) at the advanced journey level, performs professional scientific analyses and fieldwork assuring the legal use of pesticides, especially focusing on the fumigants. The incumbent independently applies scientific methods and principles to identify, research, analyze, and develop science-based solutions to assure compliance with complex pesticide regulations, writes scientific and technical reports, and performs a broad range of scientific, technical and professional duties related to the implementation of complex pesticide programs, particularly those addressing fumigant use. The incumbent independently performs a variety of scientific evaluations and assessments to ensure that pesticide use mitigation measures are protective of human health, the environment, non-target vegetation, food safety, surface/ground water, wildlife, and air quality and are practical, and effective. The incumbent will focus on specific areas of expertise, currently fumigants, from a broad scope of enforcement programs and activities.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The incumbent will work in a high-rise building, under artificial lighting. The work as indicated for this position requires the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds, bend, squat, and climb over boxes, containers, or pallets; travel by automobile or air is required to different areas of the State. There is field work performed requiring the ability to maneuver over uneven ground and work in outdoor conditions. Occasional statewide travel is required. Occasional irregular work schedules may be required.

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.

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.

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
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment
• Strong organization and communication skills

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 :

• Times New Roman font, size 12
• Normal 1 inch margins
• Single line spacing
• Question at the top of the page

Question :
Why would you be the best candidate for the position?

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 required and must be included.
• 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.