Environmental Scientist
Department of Food & Agriculture
JC-485507 - Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
Job Description and Duties
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
This position is being advertised until filled and applications will be reviewed with the following cutoff dates: 9/28/2025, 11/2/2025, 12/7/2025, 1/11/2026.
Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), 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.
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.
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.
Prepare environmental and food samples for analysis using appropriate extraction, clean-up, and digestion techniques to ensure sample quality meets the specified requirements in SOPs.
Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meet client needs and comply with contract requirements.
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions
The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy. The employee's 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).
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-485507
Position #(s):
...-001
Working Title: Environmental Scientist
Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Orange County
Telework: In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The California Department of Food and Agricultures Inspection Services Division, Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) provides valuable services to California related to food and environmental safety issues including crop protection, farm worker safety, data gathering activities, and emergency response. The CAC uses state of the art equipment and processes to test fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal fertilizer, to ensure that pesticide and chemical levels are within the safety range established by national and international standards. The CAC also serves the nation as a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). CAC's clients are comprised of local, state and federal governmental agencies that are responsible for monitoring the nation's food supply.
Special Requirements
This position requires a completed Health Questionnaire and Physician's Report prior to appointment.
Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is intended to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience in relation to this position. Applications submitted without the required SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other materials will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ.
Provide responses to the following four (4) questions, not to exceed three (3) typed 8-1/2 x 11 pages, using 12-point Arial font.
1. The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) supports multiple clients in the enforcement and regulatory arenas. There is on-going need for method development work for the analysis of environmental contaminants. Describe how your education, experience and skill make you the ideal candidate for an Environmental Scientist position at the CAC.
2. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced laboratory environment. How do you safeguard data defensibility/integrity while completing urgent analytical tasks?
3. Describe your experience with Microsoft Visual Basic applications for laboratory data processing.
4. How do you stay current with technological advances relevant to your work?
ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS ARE PREFERRED.
Submit a State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov. 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 submitted.
*College degree is required and must be submitted.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Department of Food & Agriculture
JC-485507 - Environmental Scientist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $8,877.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
Job Description and Duties
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
This position is being advertised until filled and applications will be reviewed with the following cutoff dates: 9/28/2025, 11/2/2025, 12/7/2025, 1/11/2026.
Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), 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.
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.
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.
Prepare environmental and food samples for analysis using appropriate extraction, clean-up, and digestion techniques to ensure sample quality meets the specified requirements in SOPs.
Perform basic daily routine maintenance of equipment as specified in equipment manual and laboratory procedures that meet client needs and comply with contract requirements.
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions
The duties of this job are performed indoors approximately 100% of the time. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy. The employee's 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).
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-485507
Position #(s):
...-001
Working Title: Environmental Scientist
Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,269.00 - $5,748.00 A
$5,188.00 - $7,000.00 B
$6,566.00 - $8,877.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Orange County
Telework: In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The California Department of Food and Agricultures Inspection Services Division, Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) provides valuable services to California related to food and environmental safety issues including crop protection, farm worker safety, data gathering activities, and emergency response. The CAC uses state of the art equipment and processes to test fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal fertilizer, to ensure that pesticide and chemical levels are within the safety range established by national and international standards. The CAC also serves the nation as a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). CAC's clients are comprised of local, state and federal governmental agencies that are responsible for monitoring the nation's food supply.
Special Requirements
This position requires a completed Health Questionnaire and Physician's Report prior to appointment.
Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is intended to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience in relation to this position. Applications submitted without the required SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other materials will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ.
Provide responses to the following four (4) questions, not to exceed three (3) typed 8-1/2 x 11 pages, using 12-point Arial font.
1. The Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) supports multiple clients in the enforcement and regulatory arenas. There is on-going need for method development work for the analysis of environmental contaminants. Describe how your education, experience and skill make you the ideal candidate for an Environmental Scientist position at the CAC.
2. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced laboratory environment. How do you safeguard data defensibility/integrity while completing urgent analytical tasks?
3. Describe your experience with Microsoft Visual Basic applications for laboratory data processing.
4. How do you stay current with technological advances relevant to your work?
ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS ARE PREFERRED.
Submit a State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov. 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 submitted.
*College degree is required and must be submitted.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Job ID: 490395678
Originally Posted on: 8/22/2025
Want to find more Chemistry opportunities?
Check out the 15,865 verified Chemistry jobs on iHireChemists
Similar Jobs
Sign Up for Job Alerts
