Farm Inspections and Inventory Lead

Job Description and Duties

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

Are you passionate about serving the agricultural community of California? The California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) is hiring an Environmental Scientist to support the Produce Safety Program (PSP) in its mission to help farmers understand the Produce Safety Rule (PSR). Are you a knowledgeable with database management? Do have experience with data analysis in a scientific-oriented program? Are you proficient in MS Excel, Access or other database tools? PSP is hiring those up to the challenge. Apply Today!

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory) within the PSP, the Environmental Scientist will serve as the database and inventory lead. Job functions will include:

• Database Analysis and Farm Inventory Maintenance
• New Program Database and Inventory Development and Maintenance
• Risk-Based Produce Safety Analysis
• Evaluation, Reporting and Outreach

Please see duty statement for additional information.

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

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

Working Conditions

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy; up to three days per week telework and up to two days per week in the office.

This position requires the incumbent to work from home and to travel by air, private or State vehicle, or other transportation modes to various locations throughout the State to attend meetings on an occasional basis. The incumbent must possess a valid California driver’s license to drive a personal or State vehicle and may be required to travel in inclement or severe weather.

The duties of this position are conducted indoors most of the time in the Sacramento Gateway Oaks Office, I & C Headquarters, located at 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Indoor work will be performed from a workstation equipped with standard office equipment. Indoor activities may include trainings, presentations, and computer and electronic communication. This position requires the ability to operate a computer terminal, calculator, photocopier, fax, and telephone; participate in, give presentations at, and interact with others at meetings; grasp papers, small objects, and manuals; and maneuver above shoulder level and below waist level to access upper and lower files and cabinets. Outdoor activities may include visiting and traveling overnight to farms, processing plants, trainings, or conferences.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-423665

Position #(s):

018-775-0762-014

Working Title:

Farm Inspections and Inventory Lead

Classification:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,145.00 – $5,132.00 A

$5,037.00 – $6,250.00 B

$6,375.00 – $7,926.00 C

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Inspection and Compliance Branch deals with a broad range of environmental, environmental health, and on-farm management issues related to protecting public health. The Branch consists of the following programs: Shipping Point Inspection Program; Produce Safety Program (PSP); State Organic Program; Direct Marketing Program; Standardization Program; Avocado Inspection Program; Citrus Program, OCal Program, and the Technical Assistance Program for Produce Safety. The Branch includes a multi-disciplined staff, including Agriculture Program Supervisors; Environmental Scientists; subject matter specialists; inspectors and investigators; and technical and support staff. The PSP is responsible for the implementation of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), one of seven new regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Special Requirements

Due to the duties of this position, FDA Commission with Credential will be required as a condition of permanent state employment. Once hired, the application process for the FDA Commission with Credential will begin and can take approximately 3-4 months. Commission appointment requires the incumbent to be a citizen of the United States or United States National, and to undergo a detailed background check and live scan fingerprinting. For additional information regarding this process, please see the US Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Procedures Manual available at https://www.fda.gov/media/71888/download.

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. 

Candidates are encouraged to submit transcripts or degree if available.

Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) answering the questions below, in addition to a standard State application (Examination/Employment Application STD 678). The SOQ is requested to elicit information regarding each applicants interest and experience in relation to this position. The completed SOQ should not be more than two (2) single spaced pages, using Arial, 12-point font size. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses. An SOQ that does NOT conform to the specifications or is incomplete will not be considered. Only those applicants who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered.

1. Describe how your education and work experience demonstrate your ability to perform analytical functions in a scientifically oriented, multidisciplinary program such as the Produce Safety Program.

2. Describe your knowledge and experience in managing complex project(s) using database tools (such as MS Excel or MS Access), and mapping tools (such as ArcGIS or other GIS tools). Include specific examples to show the steps you would take to plan and implement such a project.

3. Describe your experience managing large databases, including challenges and solutions relating to integrating data from multiple sources, keeping data up to date, managing incomplete data, and detecting/correcting erroneous data.

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: 5/10/2024

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 Food & Agriculture

Attn: Human Resource Branch JC-423665

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Food & Agriculture

Human Resource Branch JC-423665

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA95814

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-423665

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.
• 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.

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:

The incumbent will have strong quantitative skills in MS Excel, the ability to effectively interact with both management and staff; have excellent attendance; work under pressure; demonstrate interest in assuming responsibility; use good judgment; display loyalty, tact, and discretion; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and to have knowledge of advanced computer skills in the Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and other proprietary software systems. Incumbent must be able to work collaboratively with a diverse team of produce inspectors, environmental scientists, farmers, inspectors, and information technology professionals and have a principal, often leading, role to ensure the effective use of research and data analysis projects.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Wendy Hoag

(916) 597-7526

wendy.hoag@cdfa.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:

Office of Civil Rights

(916) 654-1005

Civil_Rights@cdfa.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.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 10/2023 version.

Additional Information

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

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.

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