Environmental Scientist at Department of Food & Agriculture Orange

Job Description and Duties

Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent will conduct analyses, gather scientific data, review and report on pesticides and other chemicals that affect the environment and the food supply. The incumbent is responsible for providing depositions and analytical expertise on disputed analytical results.

• Analyze environmental and food samples, such as water, soil, foliage, produce, milk, swabs, biological materials, clothing, commercial fertilizers, and air using gas and liquid chromatograph coupled with various detectors such as mass spectrometer to obtain quantitative values of environmental contaminants including toxins, pesticides, and their metabolites.
• Review or revise existing methods, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and work instructions using established scientific techniques and methods to meet customer needs; determine the accuracy and validity of the methods on new matrices and on alternate technologies.
• Prepare environmental and food samples for analysis using appropriate extraction, clean-up, and digestion techniques to ensure sample quality meets the specified requirements in SOPs.
• Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meet client needs and comply with contract requirements.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. The employee’s workplace is the CAC which has laboratory equipment necessary for performing the required analyses. The employee has a desk space, books, and a computer necessary to perform required tasks.

The building has an air-conditioning/heating system. The employee may be occasionally exposed to fumes, gases, or odors when solvents or acids are not properly placed in fume hoods. Noise levels near fume hoods may reach higher than normal level and earplugs or earmuffs are provided in these areas.

WARNING:
Detectable amounts of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm are or may be found in or around this facility. (California Health and Safety Code, Section 25249.6).

This position requires a completed Health Questionnaire and Physician’s Report prior to appointment.

Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is intended to elicit information regarding each candidate’s interest and experience in relation to this position. Applications submitted without the required SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other materials will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ.

Provide responses to the following four (4) questions, not to exceed three (3) typed 8-1/2” x 11” pages, using 12-point Arial font.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS ARE PREFERRED.

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.

Education and Experience in Analytical Chemistry.

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