Environmental Scientist

Under the general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent will conduct scientific analysis of fuels, lubricants, and automotive products. The incumbent will also provide analytical support to program enforcement activities and County Agriculture Commissioners and Sealers; perform analyses on motor vehicle fuels needed to reduce the States carbon emissions as required by AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), administered under the California Air Resources Board (ARB); promote the increase use of non-petroleum based alternative fuels as required by AB 1007, the State Alternative Fuel Plan, in conjunction with ARB and the California Energy Commission (CEC) and monitor the quality and composition of lubricants and automotive products to increase vehicle reliability, reduce consumption, and meet the State Green Chemistry Initiative goals.

Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis in accordance with established laboratory test procedures for the analysis of fuels, lubricants and automotive products to generate accurate and defensible data to meet the requirements of State and Federal environmental laws and regulations.

Provide accurate and reliable analytical support to: the States Petroleum Investigators and County Agriculture Commissioners and Sealers in their enforcement of State and Federal petroleum laws and regulations by testing various fuel samples; ARBs mission to reduce air pollution, related to fuels in the environment, by developing pollution prevention strategies and assessing regulatory requirements; and, CDFAs and CECs mission to develop reliable alternative fuels by establishing quality standards.

Review or revise existing methods using established scientific techniques and methods to meet State and County needs, determine the accuracy and validity of the methods on new matrices and respond to emerging environmental issues to protect human health and the environment.

Perform validation of analytical methods according to the laboratory SOPs to ensure established scientific techniques and methods are followed, to comply with quality assurance requirements, and to protect human health and the environment by ensuring the highest data quality in support of public policy and enforcement of State and Federal laws and regulations.

Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meet customer 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 meets customer needs.

Participate as an active member of ASTM International and SAE International by attending meetings, voting on proposed ballots, and making recommendations on specifications on standards.

Participate in the development of quality standards and test procedures for alternative fuels, hydrogen, petroleum, and automotive products by providing recommendations and feedback.

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

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

The duties of the position are primarily conducted indoors. Some work will be performed at a desk, using a computer or telephone. The majority of work will be done in a laboratory testing fuels, automotive products, and developing test methods using a variety of testing equipment. Work is usually performed in an air-conditioned area. However, the work environment does, on occasion, reach into the high nineties when performing octane testing during the summer months.

The maximum noise level of 80 decibels can be reached when performing octane testing. The work area is somewhat noisy, depending on the equipment in operation. Therefore, ear protection is provided for use in high noise conditions.

The work area contains a large number of chemicals which are considered hazardous. Safety instructions and equipment are provided to reduce exposure to these chemicals. The employee may be exposed to fumes, gases or odors when testing solvents or acids. Some sampling outdoors will be required.

Travel within the State, to other states, and to other countries is required approximately 20% of the time in order to consult with industry representatives and to attend meetings of ASTM International, SAE International, or other consensus organizations.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbents ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFAs Telework Policy.