Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory) of FREP, the Environmental Scientist performs a broad range of staff work on the cutting edge of California’s environment and natural resources management, the efficient, environmentally sound use of fertilizing materials and preventing nutrient pollution of California air and water. The incumbent will research, analyze and get involved in education and outreach activities related to water and nutrient management in California agriculture.

• Work with the SES (Supervisory) on researching hydrogeological issues including nitrate loading in groundwater.

• Evaluate the feasibility of proposed demonstration projects and outreach at the field level for the understanding and education of nitrogen optimization in agriculture including potential reductions of nitrate to waters of the state.

• Review research, coordinate demonstration projects; conduct site visits and facilitate outreach of ongoing research projects pertaining to BMPs to improve water and nitrogen use efficiency of crops; and mitigate nitrate loading in groundwater.

• Coordinate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to facilitate field days and outreach events that extend information on FREP-funded research and FREP educational materials related to irrigation and nitrogen use efficiency of crops.

• Provide outreach and education for Certified Crop Advisors, Pest Control Advisors, California farmers, commodity groups, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Resource Conservation Districts, Water Boards, University of California, California Legislature, the environmental community; and the general public on project results via field days, technical trainings, and outreach events.

• Coordinate the monitoring and surveying of BMPs adoption to mitigate nitrate loading in groundwater.

• Scientifically analyze and evaluate extremely complex problems related to potential groundwater impacts of fertilizing materials use and management.

• Review environmental checklist and impact reports submitted to the Department by stakeholders and affected agencies.

• Consult with appropriate regulatory agencies in the development of environmental standards for proposed regulations regarding fertilizers effect on groundwater.

• Work with the SES (Specialist) to determine rates of nutrient migration and nutrient pathways to groundwater with site specific parameters, including but not limited to crops species; fertilization types and rates; nutrient mass balance; and soil, sediment, and rock types.

• Analyze and evaluate submitted research; statistical data and studies for assessment of fertilizing materials suitability, efficacy, applicability; and environmental impact.

• Facilitate the transfer of research results to the industry and researchers, by hosting and participating in field days, outreach events, and trainings related to nitrous oxide emissions; nitrification inhibitors; nitrogen in the environment; new technology development; nitrogen management practices; quantification of methane; and nitrogen mineralization rates of organic inputs.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The headquarters is located indoors at 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. When in the office, the duties of this position are performed indoors in a cubicle/office environment. Each cubicle/office contains a chair, computer monitor, docking station, printer, portable and stationary filing drawers, and overhead cabinets. The employee’s alternate workstation will be the incumbent’s home office, which is equipped with a desk, chair, computer with various software programs, and a multifunction print/scan/copy machine. The duties of this position will be performed 50% outdoors with a one-day per work week requirement to be in the office. Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. Travel by state vehicle within assigned area is required on a routine basis. Travel by car, air, or other public transportation system to attend in-state and out-of-state meetings, follow up with field staff, local, state and federal agencies, and advisory board/subcommittee meetings will occasionally be required. Overnight stays or travel in severe weather may be occasionally required.

Special Requirements

The REQUIRED Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) is a narrative discussion of how education, training, experience, and skills meet the desirable and required qualifications for the position. Each candidate’s SOQs will also show the candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes and cover letters DO NOT take the place of the SOQs. SOQs must be typed, single spaced, 12-point Arial font, and no more than two pages page in length. SOQs that do not address the following will not be considered:

i. What are some of the primary factors that influence nitrate transport to groundwater and how do they relate to water quality in California?

ii. Describe some of the current and emerging issues for California agriculture and the fertilizer industry.

iii. Describe your approach and experience when disseminating technical information to a large group of stakeholders with varying levels of knowledge and interests.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 6/2024 version.

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 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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.

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