Job Posting: Research Scientist Staff

Department of Pesticide Regulation

JC-522079
-
Research Scientist Staff
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF

$8,327.00 - $10,779.00 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: 7/24/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in a meaningful and impactful career? Would you like to contribute to protecting people and the environment and accelerating a statewide transition to sustainable pest management? The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) could be the place for you!

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the Research Scientist Staff at the advanced level independently identifies problems, develops courses of action and conducts extremely complex and scientific investigations and studies on pesticides as toxic air contaminants and volatile organic compounds. The incumbent may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project, program function or area of expertise. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Plans, organizes, and conducts complex research studies including experimental design, computer modeling, and air dispersion investigation of environmental contamination by pesticides to better understand pesticide movement and behavior in air.
  • Compiles and analyzes data using statistics, computer modeling, geographic information systems, and other techniques. Participates in the evaluation of potential exposure to pesticide concentrations of concern; and identify practices to prevent or reduce pesticide impacts on human health and the environment.
  • Serves as a program subject matter expert in ambient air modeling, and reviews and evaluates research reports and scientific manuscripts for scientific quality
  • Serves as an advisor or consultant to lower-level scientists to provide authoritative independent scientific consultation on environmental modeling and statistics as they relate to fate and transport of pesticides, research study methodologies, study design, data analysis, geographic information systems, and computer modeling.
  • Assists in developing laws, rules, regulations, and policy evaluations to address pesticides as toxic air contaminants and volatile organic compounds.
  • Participates in and directs field research studies and field sampling.

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

Working Conditions

Employee must be capable of performing field studies and site visits that may involve hiking or climbing in areas with moderate slopes, unpaved surfaces, undeveloped roads, and other areas or structures where studies may be required. The employee must have the ability to conduct field work for long hours under a variety of climatic conditions and, also, operate vehicles on public roadways or travel to remote areas. Travel that includes flying and/or driving on short notice and overnight stays will be required on trips to various field locations and meetings. Employee may occasionally be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to minimize exposure to hazards. PPE include, but not limited to, gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hats, coveralls, and tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment. When respiratory protective equipment is required, the employee must adhere to the fitting requirements stated in DPR's respiratory protection policy.

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.

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is anticipated the position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-522079
Position #(s):
814-401-5594-202
Working Title:
Research Scientist Staff
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF
$8,327.00 - $10,779.00
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

Appointment to this position is pending administrative approval.

DPR is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and our vision is for pest management that is safe, effective, and sustainable for all Californians and our environment. Our core values include accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and integrity. We are innovative and passionate about the work we do.

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 fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

In compliance with federal law, all hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. (Note: The Department of Pesticide Regulation does not sponsor visas.)

DPR Recruitment Survey – Please click here to complete the survey
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
  • This position is designated Conflict of Interest and requires disclosure of economic interests.
  • 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.
  • 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: 7/24/2026

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 Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
Attn: T. Farnum
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
Human Resources Branch
T. Farnum
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.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Supplemental Application - A response to the supplemental question is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental question and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer the supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the question in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.
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:
  • Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
  • Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
  • Expert knowledge of drift, air dispersion, soil physics, soil hydrology, and/or agricultural practices
  • Expert knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, C++, SQL, SAS
  • Ability to learn or knowledge of GIS and geospatial analysis
  • Expert knowledge of statistical and time-series analysis
  • Ability to learn or knowledge of conducting environmental monitoring (e.g., ambient air sampling, drift sampling, or soil sampling) studies
  • Ability to learn or knowledge of working with environmental sampling equipment
  • Work productively both independently and in a team environment and be able to take direction and guidance well
  • Have strong organization and communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Meet deadlines, be productive and maintain composure under pressure/stress
  • Writing proficiency: experience writing technical reports or peer review scientific journal articles

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.cdpr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Theo Farnum
(279) 399-8040
theo.farnum@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Michelle Eamiguel
(279) 399-8006
Michelle.Eamiguel@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
alexis.carriker@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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

You must answer the supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the question in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions:
The response should not exceed two pages, single-spaced with standard margins, and in 11-point Arial font.

Question:
Please describe your experience in one of the following subject areas: (1) complex modeling to simulate the fate and transport of environmental contaminants, OR (2) atmospheric/meteorological modeling, OR (3) advanced statistical modeling with environmental datasets.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not take the place of the supplemental application.

Critical Job Competencies

  • Coaching/Mentoring/Continual Learning 
  • Communication
  • Decisiveness
  • Ethics/Integrity
  • Flexibility/Adaptability
  • Partnering/Networking
  • Political Acumen
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management
  • Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Credibility

Additional Information

Relocation expenses may be reimbursed depending on the type of appointment.

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