Job Posting: Lead Pharmacist

Department of Health Care Access and Information

JC-519920
-
Lead Pharmacist
PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT II, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES (SPECIALIST)

$7,857.00 - $11,365.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the PPPB Assistant Deputy Director, the Lead Pharmacist provides technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and pharmaceutical industry guidance to the PPPB team, CalRx program, and OHCA leadership. This role researches, evaluates, and analyzes strategies to make drugs more affordable and accessible in California. The incumbent is expected to have the skills to assess highly complex pharmaceutical issues, consider regulatory and policy impacts, and perform ongoing monitoring and analysis. As needed, the Lead Pharmacist will develop both verbal and written reports and recommendations to support PPPB, OHCA, and for departmental action related to federal and state legislation and regulations.


This position is subject to the Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing requirements, which requires disclosure of certain personal economic interests as determined by the Conflict of Interest Code of the Department of Health Care Access and Information.  Pursuant to Government Code section 81008, Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests is public record and will be made available for public inspection.


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

Working Conditions

HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped pay-per-charge electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices.

HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-519920
Position #(s):
441-600-7994-XXX
Working Title:
Lead Pharmacist
Classification:
PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT II, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES (SPECIALIST)
$7,857.00 - $11,365.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.

 

The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has three primary responsibilities: slowing health care spending growth, monitoring health system performance, and assessing market consolidation. OHCA was created in an effort to slow rising health care spending, and the work of this office will make a tangible difference in making health care more affordable. If you believe that all Californians should have access to health care and be able to afford it, then join the OHCA team.

 

HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.

 

To learn more about HCAI, visit: http://HCAI.ca.gov/


Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

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: 8/4/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

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 Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources Office
Attn: Department of Health Care Access and Information
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources Office
Department of Health Care Access and Information
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833
Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist, Attention Human Resources
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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position.The SOQ is a separate document that must have the applicant's Name and Job Control number noted on the top right corner. Responses must be typed and limited to two pages, in Arial font not smaller than size 11. Please address the following and include the questions in the SOQ:

    1. Describe how your knowledge, skills, experience, and education qualify you for this position.
    2. Describe and provide examples of your experience with how prescription drugs are influencing the ability of health plans and providers to manage health care costs and improve affordability for consumers.
    3. Describe and provide examples of your experience in staying informed of current drivers of pharmacy spending, such as entry of new drugs, market and supply chain dynamics, and changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

    To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.
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:
  • At least 1 year of experience in health care pharmaceutical spending related issues, including cost drivers, utilization patterns, or budget impact analysis.
  • At least 1 year of experience evaluating pharmaceutical access and patient outcomes, such as formulary impact, equity considerations, or clinical effectiveness.
  • Experience with internal and external stakeholders such as state and federal agencies, external working groups, and private purchasers of health care.
  • Experience in health care policy related issues.
  • Experience reviewing state and federal laws, regulation and policy.
  • Knowledge of managing competing priorities and completing tasks in a timely manner.

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR Benefits Website.

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
HCAI Recruitment
(916) 326-3260
HRRecruitment@hcai.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) 326-3261
eeo@hcai.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.

Additional Application Requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations completed by agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or by current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

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