Job Posting: Regulatory Scientist

Department of Pesticide Regulation

JC-524595
-
Regulatory Scientist
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: 8/3/2026

Job Description and Duties

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!

These positions play an important role in the implementation of DPR’s statewide pesticide registration program that is responsible for evaluating the impact of proposed pesticide products on human health and the environment. Working under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientists perform a range of duties including but not limited to:

  • Research, analyze, and develop proposed environmental permitting packages on the Department’s proposed registration decisions, including public reports, consistent with the program’s functional equivalency status under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) utilizing systematic and critical investigation skills. Evaluate, analyze, interpret, and summarize complex scientific data/evaluations of data in the scientific disciplines of toxicology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, environmental fate, microbiology, air, and water supporting the registration or amendment of pesticide products to protect the State’s natural resources and public health, and carry out the goals and objectives of the program. 
  • Analyze and respond to public comments raising significant adverse environmental points on proposed registration decisions. Inform the pesticide manufacturer of the comment, analyze pesticide manufacturer’s response, and draft written responses to complex public comments. Ensure responses to all written comments meet CEQA requirements for public postings of the Department’s final registration decisions. 
  • Perform pest management analysis, assessment, research, and investigations to determine similarity of new and amended pesticide product formulations and compare intended uses to previously approved pesticide products. Assess percentage and composition of chemicals, pest organisms (including insects, plant

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

Working Conditions

The candidates must possess the ability to: 

  • Complete the duties of these positions indoors in a high-rise building
  • Use a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard within an 8-hour day
  • Lift data volumes weighing up to 10 pounds. 

Note: These positions 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 1st, 2026, it is anticipated these positions 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.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-524595
Position #(s):
814-510-0762-300
814-510-0762-231
Working Title:
Regulatory Scientist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A
$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B
$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Appointment to these positions are 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.)

DPR Recruitment Survey – Please click here to complete the survey.
Department Website: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • These positions are designated Conflict of Interest and require 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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 8/3/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
Attn: L. Texeira
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Pesticide Regulation
Human Resources Branch
L. Texeira
1001 I Street, MS 4B
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.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 included.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Supplemental Application - A response to the supplemental question is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental question and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. 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.
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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to apply scientific methods and principles
  • Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize complex information, scientific data, and environmental reports to reach sound conclusions
  • Ability to work independently, organize and set priorities on assignments, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to apply federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and/or requirements
  • Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities
  • Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics

Critical Job Competencies

Effective Communication: Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to and from individuals or groups in a manner that engages and creates greater understanding of the message. Translate complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers.

Organization and Planning: Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, and sets a reasonable pace. Coordinates realistic timeframes and delivers services in a timely manner.

Takes Action and Shows Initiative: Work well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical organizational/program/unit goals. Demonstrates strong work ethic.

Relationship and Partnership Building: Builds and effectively utilizes relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with colleagues and superiors. Works through complex situations effectively, diplomatically, and with sensitivity without losing credibility or trust.

Problem Solving: Employ analytical abilities, pragmatism, and other tools necessary to resolve complex problems in a variety of situations. Shows enthusiasm for tackling technical and intellectually complex issues.

Effective Negotiation: Effectively reach understanding and agreement with a broad range of people internally and externally. Use facts and arguments to create a meeting of the minds among stakeholders with different viewpoints.

Analytical Thinking: Approaches a problem by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach.

Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, policies, and regulations related to specialized expertise. Integrate technology into the work to improve program effectiveness.

Teamwork: Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships. Works toward accomplishment of group goals. Fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

Customer Service Orientation: Works to ensure stakeholders receive high quality information, that their feedback is acted upon, and that their complaints are handled effectively. Develops trust and credibility with stakeholders.

Benefits

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:
Lauren Texeira
(916) 322-9941
lauren.texeira@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Amy Duran
(916) 445-2992
amy.duran@cdpr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to 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
(916) 445-3979
alexis.carriker@cdpr.ca.gov
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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

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:
Your response must be typewritten, no more than one 8.5" x 11" page in length, using standard margins and 12-point font. Include your name at the top of the page. You do not need to retype the question in your response.

Question:
The Environmental Scientist in this position will evaluate complex scientific information and prepare public reports to explain how the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s decisions to register or amend pesticide products do not pose significant adverse impacts to human health and the environment.

  1. Describe one specific experience from your education or employment in which you evaluated or interpreted complex scientific or technical information and used it to develop a recommendation, conclusion, or written product. In your response, describe:
  • the situation and your role
  • the scientific or technical information you evaluated
  • how you approached analyzing or interpreting the information
  • any challenges or uncertainties you encountered and how you addressed them
  • and the outcome and how the experience prepared you for this position. 

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

Additional Information

These are deep class positions with increasing responsibilities; candidate 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 work place. 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.

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