ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) is recruiting to fill one (1) Environmental Scientist position located in Sacramento.

• April 15, 2024
• May 15, 2024
• June 15, 2024
• July 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed after each date listed above, and selections can be made. However, the Job Control will remain open until the vacancy is filled.

If your application is submitted after the most recent cut-off date, it will be applied to the next review period.

Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor), the incumbent will conduct analyses, gather scientific data, review and report on pesticides and other chemicals that effect the environment and the food supply.

The incumbent is responsible for providing depositions and analytical expertise on disputed analytical results. The Environmental Scientist (ES) position is a single classification where the incumbent can be assigned any duties within the class concept.

Duties include but are not limited to :

• Analyze environmental and food samples, such as water, soil, foliage, produce, milk, swabs, biological materials, clothing, commercial fertilizers, and air using gas and liquid chromatograph coupled with various detectors such as mass spectrometer to obtain quantitative values of environmental contaminants including toxins, pesticides, and their metabolites.
• Conduct analyses and collect critical, realistic pesticide residue data for the local, state and federal agencies in their risk assessment and enforcement activities and to assist in developing pollution prevention strategies and assess regulatory requirements.
• Analyze pesticides and quaternary ammonium chloride products for label compliance following the National Enforcement Investigational Center’s guidelines.
• Analyze minerals, dietary supplements, heavy metals, and copper containing herbicides, by Inductively Coupled Plasma analyzer (ICP-OES), flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometers to support the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program and Integrated Pest Control branch.
• Perform quantitative gravimetric analysis and Microscopy on animal fertilizing materials following approved methodologies.
• Review or revise existing methods, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and work instructions using established scientific techniques and methods to meet customer needs;

determine the accuracy and validity of the methods on new matrices and on alternate technologies.

• Perform validation of analytical methods according to laboratory procedures and protocols to ensure established scientific techniques are followed, meet customer needs, and in compliance with ISO 17025 requirements.
• Apply scientific methods and principles in the identification, research, and solution of problems in environmental monitoring of toxic and hazardous materials management to meet the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements as requested by other CDFA programs, other State and Federal agencies such as the County Agricultural Commissioners, EPA, U.

S. Food and Drug Administration, and USDA.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy.

The employee’s workplace is the CAC which has laboratory equipment necessary for performing the required analyses. The employee has a desk space, books, and a computer necessary to perform required tasks.

The building has an air-conditioning / heating system. The employee may be occasionally exposed to fumes, gases, or odors when solvents or acids are not properly placed in fume hoods.

Noise levels near fume hoods may reach higher than normal level and earplugs or earmuffs are provided in these areas.

WARNING : Detectable amounts of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm are or may be found in or around this facility.

California Health and Safety Code, Section 25249.6).

Parking and Transportation :

The Center for Analytical Chemistry has free parking and is within walking distance of a light rail station.

Special Requirements

I. This position requires a completed Health Questionnaire and Physician’s Report prior to appointment.

II. Statement of Qualifications is required to be submitted with your State Application (Std. 678) :

Provide responses to the following 4 questions not to exceed three (3) typed 8-1 / 2 x 11 pages, using 12 point Arial font :

1. The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) supports multiple clients in the enforcement and regulatory arenas. There is on-going need for method development work for the analysis of environmental contaminants.

Describe how your education, experience and skill make you the ideal candidate for an Environmental Scientist position at the CAC.

2. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced laboratory environment. How do you safeguard data defensibility / integrity while completing urgent analytical tasks?

3. Describe your experience with Microsoft Visual Basic applications for laboratory data processing.

4. How do you stay current with technological advances relevant to your work?

ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS ARE PREFERRED.

Submit a State Examination / Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your CalCareers 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.

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.

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Learn more about the defined benefit plan that is offered to state employees through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) based on years of service, age and final compensation.

CalPERS also offers disability retirement, partial service retirement, and death benefits for eligible employees.

401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

Offers a voluntary benefit that allows you to contribute to both a 401(k) and a 457(b) plan to enhance your retirement benefit.

This allows you to contribute, through payroll deduction, up to twice the amount available to the private sector and most public sector employees.

You can contribute on both a pre-tax and an after-tax designated Roth basis that offers you the opportunity to take advantage of tax savings now and in the future.

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary - Specific Benefits Specific Benefits Additional Information

Cash In Lieu of Health and / or Dental Benefits (Cash Option)

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Common Carrier Travel and Accident Insurance for Excluded Employees Only

Offers employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance to managers, supervisors and other specified employees who travel on state business.

Commute Program

Voluntary benefits that subsidize commuting expenses for eligible employees who commute to and from work using public transportation, vanpools, or bicycles.

Consolidated Benefits (CoBen)

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Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

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Death Benefits

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866) EAP-4SOC

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Available to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

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Health Benefits

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CalPERS Health and Wellness

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Long-Term Care Program

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Vision Benefits

Employer-paid benefit that offers you and your dependents an annual eye examination and an allowance for frames and lenses.

An enhanced vision plan is also available which provides higher allowances for certain materials and other benefits.