Job Posting: Scientific Aid

Department of Pesticide Regulation

JC-527810
-
Scientific Aid
SCIENTIFIC AID

$18.26 - $21.67 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/28/2026

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!

As part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), 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. We offer a progressive and family friendly, cooperative work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth.

This position is with the Enforcement Headquarters Branch of DPR and is located at the Bradshaw Regional Office in Rancho Cordova. We are seeking to add an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team to assist professional staff in a variety of technical and routine scientific tasks.

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

Working Conditions

The collection of samples as indicated for this position requires the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds, bend, squat, and climb over boxes, containers, or pallets. There is fieldwork performed requiring the ability to maneuver over uneven ground and work in outdoor conditions. Occasional travel by automobile or air may be required to different areas of the State

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 this 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-527810
Position #(s):
814-200-1931-982
Working Title:
Scientific Aid
Classification:
SCIENTIFIC AID
$18.26 - $21.67
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:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent

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) 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. 
  • 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: 8/28/2026

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
Human Resources Branch
Attn: Ms. T. Kalb
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
Ms. T. Kalb
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
  • 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:
  • Proficient writing and oral communication skills; ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team; knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint); 
  • Flexibility and time management; 
  • Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities; 
  • Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics; public outreach; and ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity.
CRITICAL JOB COMPETENCIES 

Communication (oral, written, organizational, non-verbal): 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; apply business-writing principles to all written communications.

Decisiveness: Make decisions in a decisive and timely manner; accept accountability for decisions; perceive impact and implications of decisions; take action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Conflict Resolution: Turn conflict into opportunity for success; apply alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to specific situations.

Technical Credibility: Understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and access other expert resources when appropriate; translate concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

Ethics/Integrity: Create culture of trusting relationships; promote organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tell it straight; admit mistakes; walk the talk – walking example 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; shift gears comfortably.

Teamwork: Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships; work toward accomplishment of group goals; value and encourage the input and expertise of others; foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

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:
Terry Kalb
(916) 445-2757
terry.kalb@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Erin Shibata
(916) 323-3197
erin.shibata@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:

  • Required Font - Calibri light, size 12
  • Normal 1 inch margins
  • Single line spacing
  • Not more than two pages in length
  • First and last name in the top right hand corner of each page
Question:  Please describe your experience, skills and knowledge that make you the ideal candidate for a Scientific Aid position with the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

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

Additional Information

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

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