ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

The Department of Food & Agriculture is hiring an Environmental Scientist in Orange, CA. The role involves laboratory and field work focused on environmental analysis, zero emission and alternative fuels, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include conducting tests, maintaining laboratory data, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The position requires cooperation with multiple divisions and organizations to ensure quality standards and support environmental health.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) Supervisory, the Environmental Scientist (ES) performs a variety of professional scientific laboratory and field work which includes environmental analysis, laboratory research, investigations, and studies, preparation of preliminary drafts of reports, correspondence, and regulatory and compliance documents. The incumbent will provide support in sampling and analyzing zero emission and alternative fuels for conformance to specifications adopted by the Department. The incumbent will also collaborate with program staff in the collection, processing, and reporting of scientific data and analytical expertise on fuels, lubricants and automotive products with a focus on zero emission and alternative fuels within the Program.

The ES must have the ability to work cooperatively with all branches and staff within the Division of Measurement Standards, managers and staff in other Divisions of CDFA, the Air Resources Board (ARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), the County Sealers of Weights and Measures, members of the National Conference on Weights and Measures, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ASTM International, SAE International, business leaders and associations, and other stakeholders who share in this mission.
• Research, develop, test, and document laboratory analytical and quality control methods for zero emission and alternative fuel quality specifications.
• Participate with program and technical staff in the use and expansion of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to collect, process, store and report on laboratory samples.
• Conduct tests on zero emission and alternative fuel samples to determine if they meet minimum quality standards.
• Provide support to the Program by maintaining accurate laboratory data, troubleshooting analytical instrumentation and supporting the development and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory.
• Review or revise existing methods using established scientific techniques and methods to meet State and County needs, determine the accuracy and validity of the methods on new matrices and respond to emerging environmental issues to protect human health and the environment.
• Perform instrument calibrations and validation of analytical methods according to the laboratory SOPs to ensure established scientific techniques and methods are followed, to comply with quality assurance requirements and to protect human health and the environment by ensuring the highest data quality in support of public policy and enforcement of State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Assist the Program in planning and organizing meetings with stakeholder groups to identify challenges by providing recommendations for alternative fuel quality specifications and testing procedures.
• Participate in the ASTM International and SAE International working groups assisting the continuing development of quality standards and test procedures for biofuel through webinars and online ballots.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by supervisor.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The duties of the position are primarily conducted indoors. Some work will be performed in the field using alternative fuels sampling equipment. Some work will be performed at a desk, using a computer or telephone. The majority of work will be done in a laboratory testing fuels and developing and validating test methods using a variety of testing equipment. Work is usually performed in an air-conditioned area.

The work area contains a large number of chemicals which are considered hazardous. Safety instructions and equipment are provided to reduce exposure to these chemicals. The employee may be exposed to fumes, gases or odors when testing fuels. Some outdoor sampling may be required.

Travel within the State, to other states and to other countries is required approximately 20% of the time to consult with industry representatives and to attend meetings of ASTM International, SAE International or other consensus organizations. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents
• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-463788

Position #(s):

018-203-0762-001

Working Title:
Environmental Scientist

Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A

$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B

$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Orange County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Division of Measurement Standards (DMS), is to preserve and defend the standards of measurement essential in providing a basis for value comparison for customers, and fair competition for businesses in the marketplace. The Alternative Fuels Quality and Oversight Program (AFQOP) within DMS implements a formal sampling, testing and reporting process to support regulatory and marketplace oversight of zero emission and alternative fuels in the state. The Program will engage in sampling, testing, and data collection activities to optimize quality specifications; refine laboratory test methods; and support data-driven policy directives by the Department and other agencies involved in zero emission and alternative transportation fuels implementation.

Special Requirements

IMPORTANT: You MUST answer the following three Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) questions. SOQ should be no longer than two pages, single spaced, Arial 12-point font, and have your name clearly printed at the top of all pages. Your resume is NOT considered a substitute for the SOQ.

1. Detail specific examples of your knowledge, skills and abilities that demonstrate your qualifications to perform the duties of the Environmental Scientist in the Alt Fuels Quality & Oversight Laboratory.

2. Describe your professional laboratory and field work relating to scientific sampling and analytical testing. Please detail the specific analytical laboratory and instruments you have experience with. Include your knowledge and experience working with electrical systems, high-pressure gasses, and associated devices, sampling, and test equipment if applicable.

3. Describe your experience collecting facts and scientific data used for researching, documenting, investigating, and updating regulations, policies, procedures, or protocols.

Application Instructions

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: Until Filled

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Food & Agriculture

Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-463788

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Food & Agriculture

Human Resources Branch JC-463788

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-463788

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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/Diploma
• Statement of Qualifications -

A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.

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.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Chelsea Lombardo

(916) 229-3029

chelsea.lombardo@cdfa.ca.gov

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:

Office of Civil Rights

(916) 654-1005

Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.

Additional Information

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

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.