Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

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 Northern Regional Office (NRO), located in Sacramento.

Under the direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) at the advanced journey level position performs professional scientific analyses and fieldwork associated with appropriate use of pesticides. Independently applies scientific methods and principles to perform unusually difficult environmental investigations, analyses, research and studies for compliance with toxic and hazardous pesticide restrictions. Provides oversight of enforcement compliance to maintain statewide uniformity. Incumbent generates, compiles, and assesses scientific data for regulatory compliance with human health and environmental requirements, providing protections from pesticide use on human health, non-target vegetation, food safety, surface/ground water, wildlife, and air quality.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
The incumbent in a single floor building, under artificial lighting. The collection of samples as indicated for this position requires the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds, bend, squat, and climb over boxes, containers, or pallets; travel by automobile or air is required to different areas of the State. Occasional statewide travel is required. There is field work performed requiring the ability to maneuver over uneven ground and work in outdoor conditions. Occasional irregular work schedules may be required. Travel may include overnight stays several days each month.

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.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-532892


Position #(s):
814-205-0765-201

Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)


Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00
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

• 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.

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: 10/8/2026
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: T. Farnum
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
T. Farnum
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 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.

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 or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
• Willingness and ability to get along with others, accept direction from supervisor/lead person, abide by work rules, accept constructive criticism, and work effectively within a team environment

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:
Theo Farnum
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Erin Shibata
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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 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 :

• Required Font - Times New Roman, size 12
• Normal 1 inch margins
• Single space lining spacing
• Question at the top of the page
• Response should be no more than one 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.



Critical Job Competencies
Communication (oral, written, organizational, non-verbal) - Make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; Inform, persuade, build consensus; Know the audience; Facilitate open exchange of ideas/opinions; Select and use appropriate communication approach; Actively listen; Effectively use e-mail; Avoid mixed messages - the body language says one thing, the words another; Apply business writing principles to all written communications.

Customer Service Orientation - Balance interests of a variety of c1ients, internal and external; Readily adjust priorities in response to changing client needs; Put in place systems and processes to ensure clients receive high quality information, that their feedback is acted upon, and that their complaints are handled effectively; Develop trust and credibility with the client.

Ethics/Integrity - Create culture of trusting relationships. Demonstrate trust and principled leadership; Promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principle; Tell it straight - be open and honest even about the bad news; Admit mistakes - not an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; Walk the talk - walking example of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.

Political Acumen - Identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceive organizational and political reality and act accordingly; Consider a broad range of internal and external factors (big picture) when solving problems and making decisions. Identify critical, high payoff strategies and prioritize work efforts accordingly; In taking action, demonstrate an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization; Formulate strategies that are achievable, cost effective, and address administration and organizational goals; Develop and balance operational and• strategic management skills; Create a strategic frame of reference.

Technical Credibility - Understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise; Integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness; Possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and access other expert resources when appropriate; Translate concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

Leveraging/Valuing Diversity - Show sensitivity, respect and value for behavior and values of diverse people, Recruit, develop and retain a diverse, high quality workforce; Foster an environment in which people who are culturally diverse can work together cooperatively and effectively.

Leading Change/Change Management - Become an agile leader who anticipates change, adapts to it, and uses it to his/her competitive advantage; Recognize the forces/signals that cause change; Techniques agile leaders apply to anticipate and monitor the forces of change; Promote a consistent "outside the box" culture that embraces new and better ideas; Respond to changing circumstances while remaining committed to the department's vision, mission, values, and goals; Facilitate acceptance and implementation of change (change champion) even if ambivalent; Address change resistance.

Decisiveness - Make decisions in a decisive and timely manner; Willingly share decision-making with direct reports - transparent decision- making process as warranted; Accept accountability for decisions; Perceive impact and implications of decisions; Take action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences; Enable others to succeed and make decisions for themselves.


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.