Environmental Scientist

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

Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor), the incumbent will conduct analyses, gather scientific data, review and report on pesticides and other chemicals that effect the environment and the food supply. The incumbent is responsible for providing depositions and analytical expertise on disputed analytical results. The Environmental Scientist (ES) position is a single classification where the incumbent can be assigned any duties within the class concept.

Essential Job Functions:

Function #1 - Environmental Sample Analysis

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.

Conduct analyses and collect critical, realistic pesticide residue data for the local, state and federal agencies in their risk assessment and enforcement activities and to assist in developing pollution prevention strategies and assess regulatory requirements.

Function #2: Method Validation and Verification

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.

Perform validation of analytical methods according to laboratory procedures and protocols to ensure established scientific techniques are followed, meet customer needs, and in compliance with ISO 17025 requirements.

Function #3: Environmental Sample Preparation

Prepare environmental and food samples for analysis using appropriate extraction, clean-up, and digestion techniques to ensure sample quality meets the specified requirements in the SOPs.

Prepare sample extracts following established SOPs to meet calibration range and linearity.

Function #4: Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meets client needs and complies with contract requirements.

Perform and document troubleshooting and basic instrument repairs as specified in equipment manuals and laboratory procedures in order to ensure data quality.

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

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

The Center for Analytical Chemistry has free parking and is within walking distance of a light rail station.

The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbents ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFAs Telework Policy. The employees 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).