JC-473978 – Climate and Health Scientist

The California Department of Public Health is hiring a Climate and Health Scientist to support health protection against climate change impacts. The role involves planning and directing complex studies on climate-related health issues, collaborating with epidemiologists, and providing expertise within the department. Telework is permitted at the department's discretion, but candidates must reside in California. Travel may be required, and commute expenses are the candidate's responsibility.
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by protecting the health of vulnerable residents and communities from harmful environmental exposures due to climate change related impacts.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting equitable environmental, social, and economic conditions and protecting the health of Californians from climate-related exposures to achieve optimal physical and mental health and well-being for all.

The candidate works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I, Manager of the Climate Change and Health Unit, in the Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB). The Research Scientist III (RS III) plans, organizes, and directs climate and health studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity, focusing on wildfire smoke, drought, and extreme precipitation. The RS III collaborates with other epidemiologists to develop surveillance for climate-related health outcomes, in alignment with CDPH’s data modernization efforts. The RS III acts as a subject matter expert in the branch, providing consultation and technical assistance to other programs and at the Department level on an as needed basis. The incumbent exercises a high degree of initiative and flexibility in a substantial decision-making role and must be able to work effectively on a team.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST III (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)

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:

Commitment to advancing racial equity, health equity, climate and economic justice, diversity, and inclusion in approach, processes, policies, and deliverables

Experience with quantitative and qualitative methods used in environmental epidemiology and community-based participatory research

Proficiency with statistical software such as R or Python

Proficiency in large data set management and analysis

Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization tools, e.g., ArcGIS

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team, while performing a wide array of complex work independently

Creative, proactive, positive, takes initiative, able to adapt

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

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=473978

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.