Job Posting: Deputy Director, Division of Scientific Programs

Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Office

JC-419273
-
Deputy Director, Division of Scientific Programs
C. E. A.

$9,755.00 - $20,144.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

The Division of Scientific Programs within the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) analyzes scientific and public health information to assess chemical hazards and risks, perform other scientific evaluations, and develop scientific tools and guidance for use by various regulatory programs under the California Environmental Protection Agency, and other state and local agencies. The Division provides these programs with the scientific tools and evaluations upon which to base risk management decisions. They include analyses to address risks to children and other sensitive and vulnerable subpopulations, and cover exposure to chemicals in air, water, food (particularly fish and shellfish) and consumer products as well as site-specific evaluations. The Division also evaluates pollution burdens and vulnerabilities in California communities, identifies the impacts of climate change in California, assesses the benefits and impacts of the state’s climate-change programs on disadvantaged communities and is also leading the development of an extreme heat ranking system.

Under general direction of the Chief Deputy Director, Executive Office, the Deputy Director directs the activities of the Division of Scientific Programs and its four branches: Air and Site Assessment and Climate Indicators; Community and Environmental Epidemiology Research; Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology; and Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment. The Deputy Director also oversees the duties of the Assistant Deputy Director for Scientific Programs.  The incumbent serves as a member of the Director’s executive staff and as the primary advisor to the Director on scientific issues and policies utilized by OEHHA.

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

Working Conditions

  • Varied work settings, including work in a high-rise building, telecommuting from an authorized alternative work location as needed, representing the program at public meetings and with outside organizations.
  • Extensive computer use, which involves prolonged sitting, viewing of a monitor, and repetitive motion.
  • Time-critical assignments.
  • Travel to alternate OEHHA office location, and to other locations for meetings and events as necessary.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

    Additional Documents

    Position Details

    Job Code #:
    JC-419273
    Position #(s):
    811-114-7500-001
    Working Title:
    Deputy Director, Division of Scientific Programs
    Classification:
    C. E. A.
    $9,755.00 - $20,144.00
    NOTE:  $16,635 is the monthly salary
    # of Positions:
    1
    Work Location:
    United States
    Telework:
    Hybrid
    Job Type:
    Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

    Department Information

    The OEHHA is the leading state department for the assessment of health risks posed by environmental contaminants. OEHHA’s mission is to protect and enhance the health of Californians and our state’s environment through scientific evaluations that inform, support, and guide regulatory and other actions.  

    OEHHA implements the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, and compiles the state’s list of substances that cause cancer or reproductive harm. The Office also develops health-protective exposure levels for contaminants in air, water, and soil as guidance for regulatory agencies and the public. These include public health goals for contaminants in drinking water and both cancer potency factors and non-cancer reference exposure levels for the Air Toxics Hot Spots Program.

    OEHHA values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission to protect and enhance public health and the environment.

    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.

    This position may be located either at 1001 I Street, Sacramento, or at 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, California.

    Department Website: https://www.oehha.ca.gov

    Special Requirements

    It is recommended that you submit your completed Application Package (i.e., which consists of an Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678), Resume, and a Statement of Qualifications) electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.  The application form must include dates and a full description of the duties performed for each position held.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application form.  

    Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit (e.g., Social Security number, birthdate, driver's license number, photograph, examination results, Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) status, gender, marital status, ethnicity, and age).  Confidential information on your current Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) submitted electronically online, will be redacted.

    Note:  Faxed or emailed application packages will not be accepted.

    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 eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

    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:

    Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Office
    Attn: Michelle Delisle
    P.O. Box 67
    1001 I Street, 12th Floor
    Sacramento, CA 95812-0067

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

    Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Office
    Michelle Delisle
    P.O. Box 67
    1001 I Street, 12th Floor
    Sacramento, CA 95812-0067
    You must deliver your application package to the front counter in the lobby between the hours of:
    10:00 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 required and must be included.
    • Statement of Qualifications - See Statement of Qualifications 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.

    Examination Qualification Requirements

    All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

    Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

    1. Possession of a Doctoral degree in Toxicology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Sciences or closely-related field; or both an MD or DVM doctorate and a master’s degree (e.g., masters of public health) or extended graduate level training in the disciplines mentioned above or closely-related field.
    2. Experience managing a scientific program at the level of a Senior Toxicologist, Research Scientist Supervisor I, Environmental Program Manager I, or higher, or the equivalent. (Experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, federal service or other government setting, or in a private organization.)
    3. Experience in assessing or managing programs that assess health risks, including risks to children and other sensitive subpopulations, from exposure to chemicals in air, water, soil, food, consumer products or other sources.
    4. Possession of significant scientific expertise in the environmental/public health fields.
    5. Ability to provide management guidance and leadership in planning and directing scientific projects and studies that are highly complex and broad in scope, with high sensitivity and policy impact; and to act and represent the department as its lead scientist.
    6. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff, with accountability for high-quality and timely results.
    7. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and consult with staff at all levels, both orally and in writing. 
    8. Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific and public health reports and papers.
    9. Demonstrated ability to effectively perform high-level administrative and policy-influencing functions.
    10. Demonstrated ability to understand trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders’ views as well as the organization’s impact on external stakeholders.

    Note: You may view general CEA information at:
    https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/7500.aspx.

    General Qualifications

    State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

    Knowledge and Abilities

    Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

    1. Knowledge of the organization and functions of government (e.g., California, another state, or federal government) including the organizations and practices of the legislative and executive Branches; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
    2. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional scientists and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

    These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

    CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

    CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

    CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

    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:
    • Possession of a Doctoral degree in Toxicology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Sciences or closely-related field; or both an MD or DVM doctorate and a master’s degree (e.g., masters of public health) or extended graduate level training in the disciplines mentioned above or closely-related field.

    • Experience managing a scientific program at the level of a Supervising Toxicologist or Environmental Program Manager II, or higher, or the equivalent. (Experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, federal service or other government settings, or in a private organization.)

    • Experience in assessing or managing programs that assess health risks, including risks to children and other sensitive subpopulations, from exposure to chemicals in air, water, soil, food, consumer products or other sources.

    • Possession of significant scientific expertise in the environmental/public health fields.

    • Ability to provide management guidance and leadership in planning and directing scientific projects and studies that are highly complex and broad in scope, with high sensitivity and policy impact; and to act and represent the department as its lead scientist.

    • Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff, with accountability for high-quality and timely results.

    • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and consult with staff at all levels, both orally and in writing. 

    • Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific and public health reports and papers.

    • Demonstrated ability to effectively perform high-level administrative and policy-influencing functions.
    • Demonstrated ability to understand trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders’ views as well as the organization’s impact on external stakeholders.

    • Broad management experience, including substantial participation in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of program, fiscal and personnel management policies.

    • Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with representatives of the Executive and Legislative branches of state government, stakeholder groups, the news media, federal and local government agencies, and the public.

    • Experience as a nationally recognized leader in the area of risk assessment, public health or environmental health. Recognized contributor to the continuing effectiveness and improvement of chemical and environmental health assessments and tools.

    Examination Information

    The examination process will consist of an evaluation of your Statement of Qualifications (SOQs), which is conducted by a screening committee. The SOQs will be used to evaluate your education and experience as it relates to the “Desirable Qualifications” listed in this announcement.

    (    Note: Hiring interviews may be conducted with only the most qualified candidates if it is determined necessary in order to make a selection.)

    If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

    A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

    The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

    Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

    The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

    Special Testing Arrangements

    If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

    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: https://www.oehha.ca.gov
    Human Resources Contact:
    Michelle Delisle
    (916) 327-1444
    Michelle.Delisle@oehha.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Cassaundra Willis
    (916) 324-2234
    Cassaundra.Willis@oehha.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:
    Cassaundra Willis
    (916) 324-2234
    Cassaundra.Willis@oehha.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.

    Statement of Qualifications

    All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ).  The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the candidate’s relevant education, training, experience, skills, and their ability to present the information in a clear and concise manner.  When responding to the following five (5) supplemental items noted below, applicants must adhere to the following format:

    • Title each page with SOQ, your full name, and CalCareer I.D. Number.
    • Identify the supplemental item number and respond to each of them separately.
    • Each response must be no longer than 500 words.
    1. Describe how your education and work experience demonstrate your leadership and technical ability to perform the duties of the Deputy Director for Scientific Programs. Include at least one example of how you have brought strategic change, both within or outside the organization, to meet organizational goals and to promote public and environmental health.

    2. Describe your experience in managing the operations of a large scientifically oriented unit or organization.

    3.      Describe your knowledge of, and experience with, the legislative and budgetary processes of California state government, the federal government, or other state or local government.

    4. Describe your knowledge, experience, and ability to meet organizational goals and stakeholder expectations for high-quality evaluations of complex public or environmental health issues.

    5. Describe your experience interacting with the Legislature, the news media, business and industry groups, environmental and public health organizations, community-based and environmental justice organizations, and federal, state, and local agencies.

    Note:  Additional documents (i.e., cover letter, resume, etc.), will be accepted, but will not be rated/scored as part of the examination.

    Filing Instructions

    All interested applicants are required to submit a current Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678), Resume, and Statement of Qualifications. The "preferred method of applying" is by filing electronically (using your CalCareers account) or by way of U.S. mail.  If filing in person, you must deliver your application package to the front counter in the lobby between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (close of business).

    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.

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job