SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Job Description and Duties

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

Under the general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the SES Specialist is responsible for complex scientific analysis and evaluation of regulatory operations and practices and industry proposals related to environmental health and food safety, including conformance with state governing meat and poultry products, rendering and pet food, and recycling / disposal of inedible materials.

• Conduct assessments, including both initial and ongoing evaluations, of food safety, public health, and environmental health inspection programs according to existing laws and national standards
• Ensure standardization and food safety goals within MPES are aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by assessing operations and overseeing implementation of a Hazard Appraisal and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for all MPES licensed food processing establishments (Retail Processors, Custom Livestock Slaughter, and Poultry Slaughter)
• Lead the Northern District of Meat and Poultry Inspections and work closely with Environmental Scientists, and Veterinarians in daily routine work within the program
• Report to Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor regarding assignments, projects, and routine field inspection work
• Develop and conduct risk analysis for evaluation of industry proposals submitted for approval on a variety of topics, including but not limited to new technology, processing methods, pathogen reduction equivalency, or sanitation protocols in relation to food safety and public and environmental health protection
• Review proposals from industry, i.e., verify that all scientific data submitted in support of industry claims is based on valid research methods; verify that proposed methodologies result in meat and poultry products that are safe for human consumption; that pet food is safe; and that products of rendering are safe for their intended use under proposed conditions, identify and resolve gaps and additional scientific needs, and provide written findings to Branch management relating to safe and effective implementation of individual proposals
• Evaluate Branch authority and recommend proposed changes in legislation and regulations to Branch management related to meat, poultry, pet food and rendering product safety, emergency management and special programs to improve Branch operations
• Coordinate with other regulatory agencies and conduct research for future regulation / legislation change and policy development related to rendering licensing criteria
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by supervisor, Assistant Branch Chief, and / or Branch Chief.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are conducted primarily indoors. The SES has a shared cubicle on the third floor of a high rise building with standard office equipment and standard or modular office furniture.

The SES often travels to licensed establishments throughout California to conduct inspections and reviews and to meet with plant owners and operators. Meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments and other inspected facilities often have wet, slippery floors, are noisy, and present many potential hazards, such as moving equipment, heavy overhead structures, and knives. The SES often alternates between cold dry coolers, hot humid processing areas and whatever seasonal outside environmental conditions are present around inspected facilities.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFAs Telework Policy. Any employee who is teleworking must adhere to all telework policies and procedures.

The incumbent must follow CDFA, Division, and Branch employee health and safety policies.

Travel by State vehicle to various locations throughout the assigned area is required on a frequent basis.

Special Requirements

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within thirty (30) days of appointment, on an annual basis, and upon vacating the position. The incumbent must complete an Ethics orientation training course within six months of assuming a Form 700 covered position, and every two (2) years thereafter, by December 31 of each numbered year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a REQUIRED narrative discussion of how the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the desirable and required qualifications for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Applications received without a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with responses to all prompts will not receive further consideration and will be excluded from the hiring process. Resumes and cover letters DO NOT take the place of the SOQ.

The Statement of Qualification should be no more than 2 pages and should consist of size12 font. A Statement of Qualifications that does NOT conform to the specifications or is incomplete will not be considered.

In response to the questions below, describe the length and breadth of your experience and provide examples, if possible :

1) What types of experience have you had collecting and analyzing data?

2) What types of experience have you had with food safety audit or inspection programs?

3) What experience have you had with leading complex projects with a team to achieve desired goals and objectives?

4) What experience have you had developing new methods or procedures and / or revising existing methods or procedures?

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary Benefit Description​ ​Additional Information ​ New Employee Benefits Orientation Page

Summary review of benefits available to you as a new State Civil Service employee. ​ State Civil Service Act

Review the benefits and protections provided to State Civil Service employees through the State Civil Service Act.

Salaries and Civil Service Pay Scales

Information regarding salary ranges for State Civil Service employees, as well as the Civil Service Pay Scales, the official salaries for all state jobs.

Represented Employee Bargaining Contracts

Review the specifics of represented state employee collective bargaining contracts.

Retirement

Learn more about the defined benefit plan that is offered to state employees through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) based on years of service, age and final compensation. CalPERS also offers disability retirement, partial service retirement, and death benefits for eligible employees.

401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

Offers a voluntary benefit that allows you to contribute to both a 401(k) and a 457(b) plan to enhance your retirement benefit. This allows you to contribute, through payroll deduction, up to twice the amount available to the private sector and most public sector employees. You can contribute on both a pre-tax and an after-tax designated Roth basis that offers you the opportunity to take advantage of tax savings now and in the future.

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary - Specific Benefits ​Specific Benefits ​Additional Information

Cash In Lieu of Health and / or Dental Benefits (Cash Option)

Allows you to receive cash in lieu of state-sponsored health and / or dental benefits insurance if you have other qualifying medical and / or dental coverage through a spouse, domestic partner, parent or other source.

Common Carrier Travel and Accident Insurance – for Excluded Employees Only

Offers employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance to managers, supervisors and other specified employees who travel on state business.

Commute Program

Voluntary benefits that subsidize commuting expenses for eligible employees who commute to and from work using public transportation, vanpools, or bicycles.

Consolidated Benefits (CoBen)

Provides a benefit allowance, rather than specific contribution amounts for health, dental and vision benefits. You may receive additional taxable income each month, depending on the total cost of the benefit plans you choose.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Continuation of health, dental, and vision insurance coverage as well as medical reimbursement account for employees and eligible dependents who involuntarily lose coverage.

Death Benefits

Benefits available to legal survivors and / or designees of state employees; see "Planning Ahead" handbook.

Planning Ahead Handbook | ​Dental Benefits

Offers you and your dependents preventive, basic and major dental care coverage through one of several dental plans.

Employee Assistance Program

Employer-paid program offers free professional and confidential short-term counseling and referral services to employees and their eligible dependents, as well as valuable information on a variety of topics including financial, legal, and wellness.

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary Benefit Description​ ​Additional Information

Group Legal Services Insurance

Voluntary, employee-paid plan that provides comprehensive legal coverage designed to meet most common personal legal needs. Available to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Group Long-Term Disability Insurance – For Excluded Employees Only

Voluntary, employee-paid plan that replaces a portion of the employee's income in the event the employee is unable to work for six months or longer due to a covered illness or injury.

Health Benefits

Offers you and your dependents a broad range of health insurance plans with the state paying a portion of the premium. CalPERS administers this coverage.

CalPERS Health and Wellness

Promotes a work environment that encourages healthy lifestyle choices, decreases the risk of illness and disease and enhances employee effectiveness and well-being.

Long-Term Care Program

Offers coverage through CalPERS for a chronic illness, frailty of old age, or a serious accident. Available to all California public employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.

Part-time, Seasonal, and Temporary Retirement Program

Offers a retirement savings program for part-time, seasonal and temporary employees who are not covered by CalPERS or Social Security.

Reimbursement Accounts

Allows you to set pre-taxed money aside in a reimbursement account to pay for certain kinds of medical and dependent care expenses. You can increase your take home pay and decrease your taxable income.

Third-Party Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program

Allows you to deduct a specific pre-tax amount for work-related parking fees from your pay. Available to employees who drive a personal vehicle to work or to a location from which the employee commutes to work and pays for parking.

Vision Benefits

Employer-paid benefit that offers you and your dependents an annual eye examination and an allowance for frames and lenses. An enhanced vision plan is also available which provides higher allowances for certain materials and other benefits.