Job Posting: Scientific Aid

Department of Pesticide Regulation

JC-427821
-
Scientific Aid
SCIENTIFIC AID

$17.21 - $20.43 per Hour

Final Filing Date: 5/2/2024

Job Description and Duties

As a member of the Air Program in the Environmental Monitoring Branch, the Scientific Aid perform a variety of duties related to the DPR's environmental projects that primarily involve pesticides in air, but may also include soil, surface water and groundwater.

Under general supervision, the Scientific Aid:

  • Performs the collection and transportation of air, soil, and water samples. While working in remote field locations, prepares and organizes sampling materials (label sample containers, calibrate sampling equipment, etc.), prepares documentation (chain of custody records and sample tracking records), able to navigate with maps and be aware of surroundings, ensures that strict SOPs and safety precautions are maintained during sampling events, able to operate and troubleshoot sampling equipment, and perform analysis of soil samples in field and laboratory conditions to obtain soil characteristics (texture, moisture etc.). 
  • Assists in analyzing data (e.g., Excel, R), assists in developing and managing databases, and prepares input files and processing output files for modeling tools that are commonly used in the Air Program. This includes entering data into Excel and Access, running/modifying/writing R and SQL scripts, retrieving data and files from the web and other databases. 
  • Assists in literature searches, product research, document reviews including conversion to ADA compliant formats, data analysis and quality control of large datasets, and providing reports on day to day findings. 
  • Assists in writing and proof-reading scientific documents such as Standard Operating Procedures, Quarterly and Annual reports, and Environmental Fate reports.

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

Working Conditions

  • Must have the ability to conduct field work for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions, and operate vehicles on public roadways or travel to remote areas. Travel on short notice and overnight stays will be required. Exposure to pesticides may be required, and appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn.

Note: 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-427821
Position #(s):
814-401-1931-982
Working Title:
Scientific Aid
Classification:
SCIENTIFIC AID
$17.21 - $20.43
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent

Department Information

Appointment to this position is pending administrative approval.

If you are excited by challenging work and are passionate about preserving California's environment, then consider joining the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). As part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, DPR is a self-funded department dedicated to protecting human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and fostering reduced-risk pest management.

The Air Program in the Environmental Monitoring Branch is concerned with reducing exposures to pesticides in ambient air. Our team accomplishes this through the monitoring of pesticides, data assessment, modeling of proposed mitigation and regulatory measures, and outreach to communities across California.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation is dedicated to preserving California’s environment and offers a progressive and family friendly work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and an enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth.

DPR values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and by fostering reduced-risk pest management. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • If education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must include a copy of your degree and/or unofficial transcripts in order to verify you meet the minimum qualifications. If you use unofficial transcripts to verify you meet the minimum qualifications, you must provide official transcripts prior to your start date, if selected for the position.
  • In order to apply for this position, you are required to provide your complete employment history on the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) form. A complete employment history must include, for each position listed, accurate dates, job title or State classification, hours worked per week (please indicate an average if hours worked per week varied), company or agency name, and a full description of duties and responsibilities held. A resume or other materials will not take the place of the complete STD. 678.
  • Please do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, marital status, age, national origin, medical conditions, and use of medical leave.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 5/2/2024

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

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 Pesticide Regulation
Attn: L. Texeira
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Pesticide Regulation
L. Texeira
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814
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 required and must be included.
  • School Transcripts
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:
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Willingness to learn
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity

Benefits

Although employees in Scientific Aid/Seasonal Clerk positions are not eligible to receive health, dental, or vision benefits, the State does offer an array of other benefits that you can take advantage of, including a robust Employee Assistance Program, holiday and leave benefits, commuter reimbursement, and much more. To learn more about the benefits offered to State employees, please visit the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.

If you have any questions, please contact DPR’s Human Resources Branch at (916) 322-4553.

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.cdpr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Lauren Texeira
(916) 322-9941
lauren.texeira@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Marsha Guzzi
(916) 445-9542
marsha.guzzi@cdpr.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:
EEO Office
(916) 445-3979
melissa.paden@cdpr.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.

Critical Job Competencies

  • Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; inform, persuade, build consensus; know the audience; facilitate open exchange of ideas/opinions; select and use appropriate communication approach; actively listen; effectively use e-mail; avoid mixed messages the body language says one thing, the words another; and apply business-writing principles to all written communications. 
  • Ethics/Integrity - Create culture of trusting relationships; demonstrate trust and principled leadership; promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tell it straight - - open and honest even about the bad news; admit mistakes - not an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provide examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity. 
  • Flexibility/Adaptability - Readily integrate changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrate openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology; and shift gears comfortably. 
  • Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience - Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks; view mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences; and empower yourself first and then your staff. 
  • Teamwork - Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships; work toward accomplishment of group goals; value and encourage the input and expertise of others; and foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

Additional Information

Applicants on public assistance under the CalWORKS Program will be given priority. A letter from the County Welfare department verifying CalWORKS status must be submitted with your application. If verification is not submitted with your application, your application will not be processed.

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