Associate Toxicologist

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 mission of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is to protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and by fostering reduced-risk pest management. The Human Health Assessment (HHA) Branch is responsible for evaluating toxicity and exposure data as part of the pesticide registration and health risk assessment process.


To assist HHA in meeting this goal, the Associate Toxicologist conducts human health risk assessments supporting pesticide product registration decisions, with primary emphasis on critically reviewing, interpreting, and quantitatively evaluating toxicology and exposure data to support hazard identification, dose-response assessment, point-of-departure derivation (e.g., NOAEL/LOAEL or benchmark dose modeling), uncertainty characterization, and comprehensive human exposure assessment. The incumbent evaluates pesticide product labels, use patterns, and available monitoring or modeled exposure data to characterize occupational and residential exposure across dermal, inhalation, and oral routes, integrating exposure estimates with toxicity endpoints to inform quantitative human health risk characterization and regulatory risk management decisions.


The incumbent also reviews pesticide labels, exposure studies, and relevant scientific literature from government and peer-reviewed sources to develop exposure assessment document and support mitigation measures, while collaborating closely with toxicologists, exposure scientists, chemists, statisticians, and modelers to ensure robust multi-pathway and aggregate exposure and risk assessments. Additionally, the incumbent evaluates submitted data for scientific quality, regulatory relevance, and uncertainty, and engages in interdisciplinary collaboration, policy and guidance development, professional development, and scientific communication to support evolving methodologies in toxicology, exposure science, and modern risk assessment tools.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

• Any work performed in the office will be conducted in a climate-controlled cubicle within a high-rise building.
• Must be able to use a computer for up to 8 hours per day.
• Occasional travel by car or plane 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 1st, 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.

• ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525902


Position #(s):
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Working Title:
Associate Toxicologist


Classification:
ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST $6,942.00 - $8,922.00 A
$7,625.00 - $9,799.00 B
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: 8/23/2026
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: J. Stoneson
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
J. Stoneson
1001 I Street, MS 4B


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 04:30 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Other - Please include a resume or curriculum vitae that lists presentations, abstracts, and peer reviewed articles.

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:

• The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of human exposure and health risk assessment.
• The candidate should be proficient in applying published models and other quantitative methods for data analysis and be capable of creatively adapting methods, techniques, and procedures to complete assignments, analyze complex technical data, and develop scientifically sound solutions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, including the ability to present technical information in a clear, concise, and logically organized manner and to communicate respectfully and with professional sensitivity.
• The successful candidate should also demonstrate the ability to critically review and evaluate complex scientific literature and other information relevant to human exposure and health risk assessment.

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:
Jaclyn Stoneson
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Emily Thunen
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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.


Critical Job Competencies
Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; informs, persuades, builds consensus; knows the audience; facilitates open exchanges of ideas/opinions; selects and uses appropriate communication approaches; actively listens; effectively uses e-mail; avoids mixed messages, the body language says one thing, the words another; and applies business writing principles to all written communications.


Decisiveness: Makes decisions in a decisive and timely manner; willingly shares decision making with direct reports - transparent decision making process as warranted; accepts accountability for decisions; perceives impact and implications of decisions; takes action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences; and enables others to succeed and make decisions for themselves.


Ethics/Integrity: Creates a culture of trusting relationships; demonstrates trust and principled leadership; promotes organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tells it straight - open and honest even about the bad news; admits mistakes - not as an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provides examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.


Flexibility/Adaptability: Readily integrates changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrates openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technologies; and shifts gears comfortably.


Political Acumen: Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization; perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly; considers a broad range of internal and external factors (big picture) when solving problems and making decisions; identifies critical, high payoff strategies and prioritizes work efforts accordingly; in taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization; formulates strategies that are achievable, cost effective, and addresses administration and organizational goals; develops and balances operational and strategic management skills; and creates a strategic frame of reference.


Problem Solving: Perseveres in the face of obstacles such as diminishing financial resources; knows there is more than one way to get to the destination; anticipates problems and encourages a culture of proactive problem solving; and ensures comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of all options in determining the preferred solution.


Project Management: Garners support for projects; develops work plans with tasks, timeframes, milestones, resources, and dependencies; uses resources efficiently and manages effectively within budget limits; anticipates potential problems and institutes controls and contingency plans to address them; and monitors project progress.


Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience: Demonstrates a bias toward optimism and maintains a sense of humor; retains stamina and bounces back from setbacks; views mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences.


Teamwork: Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships; works toward accomplishment of group goals; values and encourages the input and expertise of others; and fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.


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; and translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.


Additional Information

• Relocation expenses may be reimbursed depending on the type of appointment.

• This is a deep class position with increasing responsibilities; candidate's experience/education will determine which range they will be placed in.

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.