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:
The most competitive candidate will possess a broad knowledge of subjects including toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, public health, exposure analysis, and epidemiology.
Must have the ability to creatively adapt methods, techniques, and procedures to conduct assignments, analyze technical data, develop solutions, and present technical information in a clear, concise, and logically organized manner in both written and oral formats.
A strong background in evaluating toxicological data for potential health effects and a working understanding of the human health risk assessment process for pesticides and environmental chemicals is preferred.
The ability to work independently and coordinate as part of a team is essential as well as having substantial computer skills, including experience with modeling, statistics, and database software tools.
The ideal candidate will be flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated, and be able to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity.
Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; informs, persuades, builds consensus; knows the audience; facilitates open exchanges of ideas/opinions; selects and uses appropriate communication approaches; actively listens; effectively uses e-mail; avoids mixed messages, the body language says one thing, the words another; and applies business writing principles to all written communications.
Decisiveness - Makes decisions in a decisive and timely manner; willingly shares decision making with direct reports - transparent decision making process as warranted; accepts accountability for decisions; perceives impact and implications of decisions; takes action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences; and enables others to succeed and make decisions for themselves.
Ethics/Integrity - Creates a culture of trusting relationships; demonstrates trust and principled leadership; promotes organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tells it straight - open and honest even about the bad news; admits mistakes - not as an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provides examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.
Flexibility/Adaptability - Readily integrates changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrates openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technologies; and shifts gears comfortably.
Political Acumen - Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization; perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly; considers a broad range of internal and external factors (big picture) when solving problems and making decisions; identifies critical, high payoff strategies and prioritizes work efforts accordingly; in taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization; formulates strategies that are achievable, cost effective, and addresses administration and organizational goals; develops and balances operational and strategic management skills; and creates a strategic frame of reference.
Problem Solving - Perseveres in the face of obstacles such as diminishing financial resources; knows there is more than one way to get to the destination; anticipates problems and encourages a culture of proactive problem solving; and ensures comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of all options in determining the preferred solution.
Project Management - Garners support for projects; develops work plans with tasks, timeframes, milestones, resources, and dependencies; uses resources efficiently and manages effectively within budget limits; anticipates potential problems and institutes controls and contingency plans to address them; and monitors project progress.
Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience - Demonstrates a bias toward optimism and maintains a sense of humor; retains stamina and bounces back from setbacks; views mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences.
Teamwork - Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships; works toward accomplishment of group goals; values and encourages the input and expertise of others; and fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.
Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise; integrates technology into the work to improve program effectiveness; possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and accesses other expert resources when appropriate; and translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES:
In addition to the above, the incumbent possesses the willingness and ability to: get along with others; accept direction from supervisor/lead person; abide by work rules; accept constructive criticism; work effectively within a team environment.
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.
