Environmental Scientist

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 Ventura 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 Central Coast Region (Region 3). This includes but is not limited to the counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. The incumbent may be required to go to other locations throughout California as needed. Applicants may live in counties neighboring Ventura.

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 Duty Statement .

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 Central Coastal California; 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.