Job Description and Duties

The Associate Toxicologist conducts evaluations and interpretations of studies and data for identifying and advising on potential adverse health effects associated with the use of pesticides. The incumbent assists in reviewing and evaluating studies submitted to meet Departmental requirements for registration of pesticide formulations and new active ingredients.

Reviews, interprets, and evaluates scientific data covering the full range of toxicological tests and studies (in vitro and in vivo) submitted to support registration of new formulations, label amendments, and new active ingredients. Assists in the identification of possible adverse effects of pesticides and potential hazards to human health. Submits findings to a Staff Toxicologist for review for scientific merit and concurrence with acceptable California and federal regulations.

Evaluates product labels for appropriate signal words, precautionary language, personal protective equipment, first aid statements, and restricted entry intervals based on results from the evaluation of submitted toxicity studies. Reviews study waivers, study protocols, and peer-reviewed journal articles submitted by registrants to support registration of formulated products and new active ingredients. Participates in meetings with registrants and other regulatory agencies to discuss data requirements to support registration of formulated pesticides, to provide input on newer methods of conducting toxicity testing, and to discuss differences in interpretations of study data and results.

Researches, reviews, and summarizes additional data needed to complete data reviews or risk assessments to be in compliance with State requirements to protect human health. Conducts less complex health evaluations as part of the risk assessment process. Reviews testing procedures to ensure compliance with the appropriate protocols, guidelines, and scientific principles.

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

Working Conditions

Any work performed in the office will be conducted in a climate-controlled cubicle within a high-rise building. Must be able to use a computer for up to 8 hours per day. Occasional travel by car or plane may be required.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist

• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-438256

Position #(s):

814-600-7941-XXX

Working Title:

Associate Toxicologist

Classification:

ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST

$6,512.00 - $8,093.00 A

$7,152.00 - $8,889.00 B

of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Appointment to this position is pending administrative and budget approval.

If you are passionate about protecting public health through advanced scientific methods, consider joining the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). As part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, DPR is a self-funded department dedicated to protecting human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and fostering reduced-risk pest management.

The Product Formulation Section within DPR's Human Health Assessment Branch is responsible for conducting cutting edge analyses of the impact of pesticide use on human health. We use a variety of tools and information to inform our recommendations. The HHA team is made up of toxicologists, epidemiologists, data scientists and exposure and risk assessors who work in a data-rich and technically challenging environment. DPR offers a progressive and family friendly work environment that values innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and an enthusiasm for learning and continued job growth.

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. Contribute to our mission of protecting human health and the environment and be part of a team that affects real change in California and beyond.

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

Special Requirements

• 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.

• In order to apply for this position, you are required to provide your complete employment history on the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) form. A complete employment history must include, for each position listed, accurate dates, job title or State classification, hours worked per week (please indicate an average if hours worked per week varied), company or agency name, and a full description of duties and responsibilities held. A resume or other materials will not take the place of the complete STD. 678.

• 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: 7/21/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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

Attn: Sarah Kirschling

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

Sarah Kirschling

1001 I Street, MS 4B

Sacramento, CA 95814

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.

• Other

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae is required and should list presentations, abstracts, and peer reviewed articles.

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:

• A strong background in toxicology or any of the disciplines of toxicology.

• A strong background in reviewing chemicals for their potential adverse health effects.

• Strong computer skills, including experience with modeling, statistics, and using and creating databases.

• Ability to creatively adapt methods, techniques, and procedures to conduct assignments, analyze technical data, solve problems in technically innovative and creative ways and present technical information in a clear, concise, and logically organized manner.

• The ability to work independently and coordinate as part of a team and be flexible, adaptable and self-motivated.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity.

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:

Sarah Kirschling

(916) 445-5936

Sarah.Kirschling@cdpr.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

Emily Thunen

(916) 324-0554

Emily.Thunen@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

melissa.paden@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.

Critical Job Competencies

Communication

• Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; informs, persuades, builds consensus; knows the audience; facilitates open exchanges of ideas/opinions; selects and uses appropriate communication approaches; actively listens; effectively uses e-mail; avoids mixed messages, the body language says one thing, the words another; and applies business writing principles to all written communications.

Decisiveness

• Makes decisions in a decisive and timely manner; willingly shares decision making with direct reports - transparent decision making process as warranted; accepts accountability for decisions; perceives impact and implications of decisions; takes action consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences; and enables others to succeed and make decisions for themselves.

Ethics/Integrity

• Creates a culture of trusting relationships; demonstrates trust and principled leadership; promotes organizational vision and values through ethical leadership principles; tells it straight - open and honest even about the bad news; admits mistakes - not as an admission of weakness but as having integrity and being trustworthy; and provides examples of the vision and values of the organization through own authenticity.

Flexibility/Adaptability

• Readily integrates changes midstream into work processes and outputs; demonstrates openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technologies; and shifts gears comfortably.

Political Acumen

• Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization; perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly; considers a broad range of internal and external factors (big picture) when solving problems and making decisions; identifies critical, high payoff strategies and prioritizes work efforts accordingly; in taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization; formulates strategies that are achievable, cost effective, and addresses administration and organizational goals; develops and balances operational and strategic management skills; and creates a strategic frame of reference.

Problem Solving

• Perseveres in the face of obstacles such as diminishing financial resources; knows there is more than one way to get to the destination; anticipates problems and encourages a culture of proactive problem solving; and ensures comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of all options in determining the preferred solution.

Project Management

• Garners support for projects; develops work plans with tasks, timeframes, milestones, resources, and dependencies; uses resources efficiently and manages effectively within budget limits; anticipates potential problems and institutes controls and contingency plans to address them; and monitors project progress.

Self-Motivation, Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance, Patience

• Demonstrates a bias toward optimism and maintains a sense of humor; retains stamina and bounces back from setbacks; views mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences.

Teamwork

• Facilitates and maintains cooperative working relationships; works toward accomplishment of group goals; values and encourages the input and expertise of others; and fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.

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; and translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

Additional Information

Relocation expenses may be reimbursed depending on the type of appointment.

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 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.