Senior Environmental Toxicology Scientist - Davis, CA

Purpose

Responsible for executing complex projects related to risks to ecological and human receptors from exposure to pesticides in production agriculture, rights-of-way, irrigation, and flood control settings. Gathers and uses peer-reviewed scientific data on fate, transport and toxicity to estimate and communicate ecological and human health risk; regularly interacts with clients and regulatory agency staff; prepares scope, schedule and cost estimates and manages projects.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive broad guidance relating to overall key objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters and general parameters for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially on highly complex assignments. Independently apply extensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields. Review work produced by staff for quality assurance.

• Mentor and assist junior staff on assignment in the office and in the field.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Utilize and assist less experienced staff in understanding technical policies and procedures during the execution of projects for clients.

• Assist with the marketing of the firm's capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

• Engage in business development opportunities.

Do the Work

• Conduct complex field assessments to collect and compile data.

• Perform detailed analysis related to risks to ecological and human receptors from exposure to pesticides in production agriculture, rights-of-way, irrigation, and flood control settings.

• Gather and use peer-reviewed scientific data on fate, transport, and toxicity to estimate and communicate ecological and human health risk.

• Interact with clients and regulatory agency staff.

• Prepare proposals including scope, schedule, and cost estimates and manage projects.

• Conduct field work independently or in a team environment in all types of weather conditions and throughout various terrains.

• Prepare and direct preparation of designs, specification, plans, estimates and reports for projects.

• Perform project development for complex projects, including finalizing scope of projects, preparing bid summaries, preparing project budgets and cost estimates.

• Maintain healthy client relationships and possess solid operational insight for driving projects and executing deliverables.

• Assist in all components related to planning and completing environmental projects.

• Prepare reports, diagrams, and exhibits.

• Effectively participate and contribute to the environmental team.

• Understand client objectives and help them reach a successful outcome.

Success Metrics and Competencies

Ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate:

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners to include colleagues (scientists, engineers, and surveyors), clients, landowners, government agency personnel, and the general public.

• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.

• Strong sense of urgency in responding to team members and clients.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.

• Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.

• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.

• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.

• Commitment to driving profitability and growth.

• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.

• Commitment to becoming a "citizen" of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.

• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.

• Basic understanding of financial reports and metrics.

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.

• A proven track record of innovation, leadership, and creativity.

Education, Work Experience, Licensure/Certifications, and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental toxicology, environmental science, or environmental chemistry required.

• Master's or Ph.D. in biology, environmental toxicology, environmental science, or environmental chemistry preferred.

• Minimum seven or more years (7+) of work experience required, preferably directly related to performance of ecological and human health risk assessments, use of environmental toxicology principals.

• Understanding of pesticide science required.

• Project management experience including developing proposals, budgets, management of personnel and workloads and deliverables (including technical reports and permits).

• Strong professional judgement related to selection and use of applicable data, models, and references.

• Demonstrated knowledge of area specific species, ecosystems, and applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations.

• Background in environmental modeling, agriculture, water quality, regulatory compliance and contaminated site assessment is a plus.

• Ability to learn, understand, and apply environmental laws and regulations, government agency policies, environmental principles, practices, and permitting requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Must hold a valid state driver's license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Partially indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.

• Partially outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.

• Mobility around an office environment.

• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

• Mobility around a job site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Frequent and prolonged use of data collection equipment and/or drones, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.

• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.

• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

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