Research Scientist

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!

The Department of Pesticide Regulation is dedicated to preserving California's environment and offers a progressive and family friendly work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and an enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth.

This position is in the Worker Health and Safety Branch at the Department of Pesticide Regulation's headquarters in Sacramento, California and is eligible for hybrid telework up to three days per week 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.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Working in a high-rise building; using a computer for up to 8 hours per day; ability to lift up to 20 pounds; occasional overnight travel; may be required to occasionally work irregular hours and working outside in varying temperatures and weather conditions. Occasional work where exposure to pesticides or pesticide-treated areas may be possible and would require appropriate personal protective equipment to be worn.

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.

Special Requirements

• 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.

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
• Scientific research methodology and database query skills
• Experience with SQL or R
• Modeling development and methodology
• SAS, Minitab or other statistical software
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Critical Job Competenices

Takes Action and Shows Initiative – Works well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical program goals. Sets and monitors own objectives and standards. Initiates appropriate actions and follows through without prompting or close supervision. Demonstrates strong work ethic.

Relationship and Partnership Building – Builds and effectively uses relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with scientific colleagues and superiors. Can be discreet and tactful when dealing with sensitive issues.

Effective Communication – Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media. Translates complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers. Facilitates the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Teamwork – Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships. Work toward accomplishment of group goals. Must value and encourage the input and expertise of others. Foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

Self-Motivation – Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance and Patience - Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain a sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks. View mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences.

Organization and Planning – Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, requests assistance when needed.

Technical Credibility – Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrates technology into the work to improve program effectiveness. Possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and accesses other expert resources when appropriate. Translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

Benefits

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

Supplemental Questionnaire

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

Instructions :

Each response should be on its own piece of paper, no more than one page in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt. Arial font. Indicate your name and question number at the top of each page.

Questions:

1. Based on the duty statement for this position, describe how your background, education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities best qualify you for this position.

2. Write a short essay briefly describing a research project you were involved in. Describe the role you played in the project, your responsibilities, interaction with other professionals and/or the public, and the output/outcome of the project.

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

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 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.
• Supplemental Application -

  A response to the supplemental questions is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental questions and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.