Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Under broad administrative direction of the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Director, the Research Scientist Manager (Veterinary Science) (RSM) is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, organizing, directing, and coordination of the duties and functions of AHB, and is responsible for administering the provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code related to administrative, animal health, food safety, emergency management, and other special programs and functions.
During events, such as a food borne illness or zoonotic disease outbreak, the incumbent must be capable of working within high levels of uncertainty and be capable of balancing potentially extreme and intense conflicts of interest.
As a leader in State government, the incumbent is responsible to develop and inspire their workforce and deliver great results for Californians and CDFA. The incumbent must set a clear vision to achieve productive results by developing plans to meet goals, leverage staff skills, and solve problems; build collaborative relationships and foster an inclusive environment for consensus-building and decision-making; coach, guide, train, instruct, and develop team members; empower staff through a sense of shared ownership and decision-making; create an open and transparent environment for the exchange of information; foster a team environment through the support and recognition of team members; promote customer service and accountability; motivate loyalty to the Department’s mission and commitment to drive continuous improvement for better results.
• Provide management guidance on scientific research, investigations, and surveillance projects that contribute to the understanding, prevention, and elimination of emerging and on-going animal health diseases.
• Advise the Division Director, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, and Secretary of the Department on scientific determinations and recommendations regarding current issues related to public and animal health, emergency management, and food safety.
• Direct and oversee the creation of methods to be used for scientific research, investigations, and surveillance projects.
• Plan, organize, and direct activities of the Branch to administer the provisions of Food and Agricultural Code and associated regulations, policies, and procedures related to animal health, emergency management, food safety, special programs, and administrative functions.
• Organize and align Branch programs in collaboration with the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, federal/state/county agencies, private veterinarians, and the livestock and poultry industry to ensure proper communication in the event of a disease outbreak.
• Approve and review all information compiled, including laboratory analyses and statistical data obtained from research, investigation, and surveillance projects, and approve written conclusions based on sound scientific data.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor the Branch budget.
• Manage the development of budget change proposals and review forecasted future revenues and expenditures.
• Represent the Department in various meetings with representatives from local, State, and Federal entities, university officials, industry stakeholders, national associations and the public.
• Attend and present findings of statewide scientific research, investigations or surveillance at local, state, federal, and national professional meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Serve as back up to the Division Director in his/her absence as needed.
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
