Job Posting: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Department of Food & Agriculture

JC-537746
-
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 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: 11/24/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the administrative direction of the ISD Director, the Career Executive Assignment A (CEA) performs a wide range of managerial and consultative work concerning the development and implementation of policy within the ISD and in coordination with programs across CDFA and among other agencies. The CEA will be responsible for coordinating directly with the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Assistant Director in order to help oversee and facilitate programmatic and policy development of the Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Program (AUS). The CEA has direct supervision of the Office, the Special Assistant, ISD Administrative staff; and will serve in a consultative capacity to the Office of Public Affairs and the ISD's dedicated Public Information Officer II. Additional duties include planning, developing, and directing critical and/or complex program policy work, including: food waste; food labeling; safe and affordable drinking water; and statewide nutrition incentives. This individual will be responsible for projects tied to legislative mandates; coordination and oversight of the ISD's Information Technology (IT) projects; and, coordination among state agency programs for the purposes of long-term environmental sustainability within agriculture production. The incumbent is responsible for formulating and advising the Director on administering policies and procedures, division-wide strategic planning efforts, compiling and implementing the division- wide workforce plan, and provides direct consultation and recommendations to the Director pertaining to the sustainability of California agriculture. The incumbent will also directly oversee the IT governance functions across all programs of the ISD to ensure that projects are delivered on time, and within scope and budget. The incumbent's role will be supervising the operations of the Office and includes organizing and directing the activities of the Special Assistant, as well as coordinating the office administration work with other parts of the department and stakeholders in order to meet the broader defined departmental and statewide goals of the Office. In their role throughout the ISD, the incumbent interacts directly with Branch Management in order to develop and implement policy and provides information and reports to the top CDFA administration as well as participates in high-level meetings and decisions on behalf of the Director.

 

Incumbent must establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work, work well under pressure, make appropriate decisions and well thought out recommendations, work independently in completing assigned work, and meet required deadlines.


As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

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

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted indoors. The employees’ workstation is equipped with standard office furnishings, a computer, a telephone with voicemail, and stationary filing drawers and bins.

 

Travel by State vehicle or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the State may be required on an occasional basis. Regular or recurring telework may be part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy

 

This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537746
Position #(s):
014-701-7500-003
Working Title:
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Classification:
C. E. A.
$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
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:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability. 

 

In order to protect and promote California's agricultural industry, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) oversees the production of safe food and fiber for the consumers of California agricultural commodities through responsible environmental stewardship and the regulation of the marketplace standards ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace. The Inspection Services Division (ISD) fulfills its mission by providing professional services which support and contribute to a safe, abundant, quality food supply; environmentally sound agricultural practices; and an equitable marketplace for California agriculture. The ISD's priority is to provide the highest degree of consumer protection, analytical services, and grading services. Products entering the marketplace must comply with applicable standards for maturity, grade, size, weight, pack and labeling to prevent the sale of substandard or misrepresented commodities. The ISD is comprised of three branches: Center for Analytical Chemistry; Feed Fertilizer & Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services; Inspection & Compliance; and, the Administrative Unit. Within the ISD's Administrative Unit is the Office of Farm-to-Fork (Office), which currently operates the statewide California Nutrition Incentive Program, the California Urban Agriculture Grant Program, the California Farm to School Program (including the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program), and the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program. 

 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is

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.

This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within thirty (30) days of appointment, on an annual basis, and upon vacating the position. The incumbent must complete an Ethics orientation training course within six months of assuming a Form 700 covered position, and every two (2) years thereafter, by December 31 of each numbered year. Failure to comply with the Conflict-of-Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

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: 11/24/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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 Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-537746
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-537746
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-537746
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 completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application (STD. 678) to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specific instructions stated in the “STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS CRITERIA” section.
  • Other - A Cover Letter is required. 
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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

Examination Information

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Ronnie McDaniel
(916) 654-0790
ronnie.mcdaniel@cdfa.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 Officer
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.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.

Statement of Qualification Criteria

In addition to the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678), all interested applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ is comprised of the six (6) factors listed below which address how each applicant's education, training, experience, and skills qualify them for the position. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information in a clear and concise manner. The SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than three (3) single-sided pages, and each response must be numbered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ must be completed in the exact order presented and provide responses to each of the following factors:

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your experience developing communication and cooperative working relationships with stakeholders and government decisionmakers.

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your experience in negotiations/communications requiring the ability to deal with a variety of sensitive internal and external issues and establishing and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your experience with all aspects of program management, including planning, fiscal management, risk assessments, workforce development, and program evaluation.

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your experience with proposed and existing legislation, regulations, and their impacts.

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your experience working with publicly funded grant programs and requirements. Please include descriptions of grants you have worked on.

 

  1. Provide depth and breadth of your leadership skills, including examples of your ability to think strategically and function effectively as a member of a division management.

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