ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

State of California; California; On-site; USD 53,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California's Department of Pesticide Regulation seeks an Environmental Scientist to protect health and environment and accelerate statewide sustainable pest management. The role is located in Sacramento with hybrid telework possible; travel statewide is required with occasional weekends.

Starting salaries range from minimum to upper ranges; new hires may begin at the minimum of the classification. This is a full-time permanent position with a focus on regulatory science and

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements are listed in the class specification.
• Ability to travel statewide and work a hybrid schedule.
• Familiarity with environmental and pest management concepts.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

B.S. in Environmental Science

Environmental health coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Job description

Environmental Scientist

$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 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: 11/5/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Are you interested in a meaningful and impactful career? Would you like to contribute to protecting people and the environment and accelerating a statewide transition to sustainable pest management? The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) could be the place for you! The Department of Pesticide Regulation is dedicated to preserving California's environment and offers a progressive and family friendly work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and an enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth. This position is in the Worker Health and Safety Branch at the Department of Pesticide Regulation's headquarters in Sacramento, California

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

Working Conditions

Frequent overnight statewide travel and occasional weekend travel is required.

Prolonged periods of standing, bending, sitting, and/or kneeling; Working in a high rise building; Ability to lift up to 20 pounds; Working outside in varying temperatures and weather conditions; Occasional work where exposure to pesticides or pesticide-treated areas may be possible and would require appropriate personal protective equipment to be worn.

NOTE: This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is anticipated this position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST $4,418.00 - $6,035.00A $5,370.00 - $7,350.00B $6,796.00 - $9,321.00C 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:

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Appointment to this position is pending administrative approval

DPR is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and our vision is for pest management that is safe, effective, and sustainable for all Californians and our environment. Our core values include accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and integrity. We are innovative and passionate about the work we do.

DPR values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect human health and the environment by fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

In compliance with federal law, all hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. (Note: The Department of Pesticide Regulation does not sponsor visas.)

• This position is designated Conflict of Interest and requires disclosure of economic interests.
• If education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must include a copy of your degree and/or unofficial transcripts in order to verify you meet the minimum qualifications. If you use unofficial transcripts to verify you meet the minimum qualifications, you must provide official transcripts prior to your start date, if selected for the position.
• Please do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, marital status, age, national origin, medical conditions, and use of medical leave.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of agricultural practices
• Interest in environmental and human health
• Public speaking
• Critical review of scientific papers
• Organizational skills
• Proficient knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Products
• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity

Critical Job Competencies Takes Action and Shows Initiative – Works well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical program goals. Sets and monitors own objectives and standards. Initiates appropriate actions and follows through without prompting or close supervision. Demonstrates strong work ethic. Relationship and Partnership Building – Builds and effectively uses relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with scientific colleagues and superiors. Can be discreet and tactful when dealing with sensitive issues. Effective Communication – Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media. Translates complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers. Facilitates the exchange of ideas and opinions. Teamwork – Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships. Work toward accomplishment of group goals. Must value and encourage the input and expertise of others. Foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust. Self-Motivation – Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance and Patience - Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain a sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks. View mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences. Organization and Planning – Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, requests assistance when needed. Technical Credibility – Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrates technology into the work to improve program effectiveness. Possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession and industry and accesses other expert resources when appropriate. Translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
Terry Kalb
[phone]
[e-mail]

We encourage people who require reasonable accommodations to contact the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

You must answer the supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the question in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions:

• Response must be no more than one (1) page in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt.
• Times New Roman font.
• Indicate your name at the top of the page.

Supplemental Questionnaire

Question: Please provide a detailed explanation of why you are interested in this position and why you are the ideal candidate, focusing on how your education and experience enables you to meet the desired qualifications for this position.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not take the place of the supplemental application.

Additional Information

This is a deep class position with increasing responsibilities; candidate’s experience/education will determine which range they will be placed in.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.