Environmental Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Are you passionate about safe produce in California? The California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program is hiring produce inspectors to help farmers understand how to comply with the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule. Are you skilled in training and communication? Knowledgeable on food safety issues? PSP is hiring those up to the challenge. Apply Today!

Please Note:

- A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

- Applicants residing in counties neighboring Riverside County will be considered.

- Please review “special requirements” section below for detailed application and eligibility details before submitting your application.

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory) within the PSP, the Environmental Scientist will conduct on-farm environmental assessments and farm inspections to ensure compliance with FSMA and the PSR, upholding the FDA approach of “educate before and while we regulate” for FSMA implementation. The incumbent must be able to be commissioned and credentialed by FDA to perform work concerning present and future environmental issues relating to food safety and must work with industry to bring production/facility sites into compliance with FSMA requirements. The incumbent will be responsible for on-farm inspections to ensure that PSR standards are met and that effective on-farm training and communication are in place. The incumbent will use a prioritized inspectional approach to conduct specific statewide inspections and procedural activities for the PSP.

The Environmental Scientist will be responsible for carrying out inspections and implementing the PSR in the Southern California Region. This includes, but is not limited to the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Ventura. The incumbent may be required to go to other locations throughout California as needed. Applicants may live in counties neighboring Riverside.

Please review the Duty Statement under Additional Documents for description of roles and responsibilities.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position requires the incumbent to work cooperatively with others; maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance; and exercise good judgment. The incumbent must have good written and oral communications skills. This position requires the incumbent to work from home and to travel by air, private or state vehicle, or other transportation modes to various locations throughout the state. This position is based in Southern California Region ; however, travel throughout California may be required. It may be possible for the person to live outside the region. The incumbent must possess a valid California drivers license to drive a personal or state vehicle.

The duties of this position are performed in various environments, which consist of working outdoors approximately 70% of the time and indoors 30% of the time. The outdoor activities include visiting and traveling overnight to farms, processing plants, trainings, meetings or conferences. Outdoor work may also include walking on uneven ground; carrying and using sample equipment; and conducting visual environmental assessments, field inspections, and data recording. Incumbent may be required to travel and be in field locations during inclement or severe weather.

Indoor work will be performed from a workstation equipped with standard office equipment. Indoor activities may include trainings, presentations, and computer and electronic communication. This position requires the ability to operate a computer terminal, calculator, photocopier, fax, and telephone; participate in, give presentations at, and interact with others at meetings; grasp papers, small objects, and manuals; and maneuver above shoulder level and below waist level to access upper and lower files and cabinets.

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.

Due to the duties of this position, FDA Commission with Credential will be required as a condition of permanent state employment. Once hired, the application process for the FDA Commission with Credential will begin and can take approximately 3-4 months. Commission appointment requires the incumbent to be a citizen of the United States or United States National, and to undergo a detailed background check and live scan fingerprinting. For additional information regarding this process, please see the US Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Procedures Manual available at .

Bachelor’s or advanced degree with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ):

Applicants are required to submit a statement of qualifications answering the questions below, in addition to a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is requested to elicit information regarding each applicants interest and experience in relation to this position. The completed SOQ should not be more than two (2) pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses. An SOQ that does NOT conform to the specifications or is incomplete will not be considered. Only those applicants who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered. Applications are encouraged to submit transcripts or degree if available.

1. Please describe the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and what it means for the rule to be a set of data-driven, risk-based regulations?

2. Please describe your knowledge and experience with food safety, food microbiology and inspections of farms.

3. How does your knowledge and experience prepare you to inspect farms under the Produce Safety Rule?

Benefits

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

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.