Job Posting: Branch Chief

Department of Toxic Substances Control

JC-536311
-
Branch Chief
SUPERVISING TOXICOLOGIST

$14,494.00 - $17,021.00 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: 11/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you passionate about protecting human health and the environment from hazardous substances, and restoring contaminated properties to beneficial use, especially in environmental justice communities? This is an opportunity to join DTSC’s team of professionals who work toward these goals. Join us today!

As a Supervising Toxicologist you will have the opportunity to:

  • Manage and supervise administrative staff and subordinate toxicologists responsible for the human health risk evaluation and cleanup of hazardous waste contaminated properties
  • Ensure that SMRP decisions are technically sound, innovative, consistent with DTSC goals and procedures, and protective of public health and the environment
  • Provide staff with support, expertise, resources, and training to make appropriate project decisions in an effective and efficient matter
  • Identify and procure adequate levels of resources necessary to meet staff recruitment efforts, staff development, and performance measures as outlined in the DTSC Strategic Plan
  • Advise and consult with the Division Chiefs, Deputy Director, and Director with respect to policy issues associated with SMRP and respond to requests from Cal/EPA, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, environmental and related stakeholder groups, and public regarding cleanup issues
  • Identifies appropriate long-range plans and goals to address succession planning and knowledge transfer

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

    Working Conditions

    Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

     

    This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

     

    A hybrid telework schedule may be available for this position.

     

    Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSC’s culture:

    DTSC - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

    Minimum Requirements

    You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

    Additional Documents

    Position Details

    Job Code #:
    JC-536311
    Position #(s):
    810-571-7944-001
    Working Title:
    Branch Chief
    Classification:
    SUPERVISING TOXICOLOGIST
    $14,494.00 - $17,021.00
    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:
    Sacramento County
    Telework:
    Hybrid
    Job Type:
    Permanent, Full Time
    Facility:
    Cal Center Regional Office

    Department Information

    This position is located at DTSC’s Cal Center Regional office in Sacramento, CA.

     

    The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is a member of the boards, departments, and offices (BDOs) within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

     

    Our Mission: To protect California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.

     

    Our Vision: All of California is thriving in a healthy environment.

     

    Our Core Values: DTSC 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 California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products. Join DTSC to improve the lives of all Californians!

     

    DTSC Recruitment Survey:

    Click here to complete the DTSC recruitment survey.

    Department Website: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/

    Special Requirements

    • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for the hiring manager’s review. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified.

     

    The SOQ should be no more than 2 page(s) in length, be clearly written and well-organized, and Arial font, size 12.

    The SOQ should address the following:

    1. Why do you want the Supervising Toxicologist position within the Department of Toxic Substances Control?

    2. What strategies would you use to manage workload, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a high-volume regulatory environment?

    3. Describe what makes you an effective communicator and how you will work within a team.

    4. As a leader, how do you think cultural diversity among staff influences team performance and decision-making?

    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: 11/4/2026

    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 Toxic Substances Control
    Headquarters
    Attn: Class & Recruitment, 21st Floor
    P.O. Box 806
    Sacramento, CA 95812-0806

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

    Department of Toxic Substances Control
    CalEPA
    Class & Recruitment, 21st Floor
    1001 I Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814-2828
    Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 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.
    • Statement of Qualifications -

      A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD 678). Please refer to the "Special Requirements” section above for additional information.

    • Other -

      Cover Letter

    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:
    • Experience and ability to manage large groups of multidisciplinary technical professionals
    • Experience and knowledge of preparing human health risk assessments for hazardous substances in the environment
    • Experience with change management
    • Ability to assess political, technical and economic aspects of projects
    • Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders
    • Toxicologist experience
    • Interacting w/ Government agencies experience

    • Public meeting experience

    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: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/
    Human Resources Contact:
    Class & Recruitment
    (916) 302-0281
    talent@dtsc.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Craig Sanchez
    (916) 516-6200
    craig.sanchez@dtsc.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) 324-3095
    OCR@dtsc.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.

    Additional Application Instructions

    For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

    Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the “Application Instructions” section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

    For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC# 536311 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application.


    Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer.

    Foreign Degrees


    Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.


    Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org and Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635) | Commission

    DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

    Examination Information

    List eligibility is established through an examination process in which one must apply and successfully pass the examination for the classification. If you have not established list eligibility for the Supervising Toxicologist, please click on the link to the examination bulletin for more information.

    https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1282

    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