Job Description

Job Description and Duties

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

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.

Essential Job Functions:

Function #1 - Environmental Sample Analysis

• 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.

Function #2: Method Validation and Verification

• 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.

Function #3: Environmental Sample Preparation

• Prepare environmental and food samples for analysis using appropriate extraction, clean-up, and digestion techniques to ensure sample quality meets the specified requirements in the SOPs.

• Prepare sample extracts following established SOPs to meet calibration range and linearity.

Function #4: Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meets client needs and complies with contract requirements.

• Perform and document troubleshooting and basic instrument repairs as specified in equipment manuals and laboratory procedures in order to ensure data quality.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

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

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).

Special Requirements

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

Applicants are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard state application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is required to elicit information regarding each candidates’ interest and experience in relation to this position. The completed SOQ must address the 4 questions below, not to exceed three (3) typed 8-1/2” x 11” pages, using 12-point Arial font. Applications with SOQs that do not address the questions below will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.

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 CalCareer 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 submitted.

*College degree and transcripts is required and must be submitted.

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:

Education and Experience in Analytical Chemistry.

Benefits

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

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.

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
• 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.

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