RESEARCH SCIENTIST

State of California
State of California

Full-time

Sacramento County, CA, USA

USD 7,150-10,289 / month

Posted on Nov 5, 2026

Job Posting: Research Scientist

Department of Pesticide Regulation

JC-536909
-
Research Scientist
RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$7,150.00 - $10,289.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/14/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you interested in a meaningful and impactful career? Would you like to contribute to protecting people and the environment and accelerating a statewide transition to sustainable pest management? The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) could be the place for you!

Are you looking to join a dynamic team? The California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Worker Health and Safety (WHS) Branch is looking for a Research Scientist in the Pesticide Illness Surveillance Program (PISP).Epidemiology is the study of the causes, distribution and control of diseases, illnesses or injuries in populations, and of risk factors that influence the occurrence of illness/injury. DPR maintains the largest and most comprehensive pesticide illness surveillance database in the nation. Under direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent will evaluate pesticide-related illness data to make determinations as to who is prone to a particular illness/injury, where risk is higher, when the illness/injury is most likely to occur and its trends over time, as well as risk factors for exposure.

Other duties include: - Writes reports, documents, technical publications and peer-reviewed journal publications on epidemiology research studies, and illness data trends as it relates to the human exposure and public health with respect to impact and mitigation of pesticide exposures.

Present scientific research results to experts, regulated community, other government agencies and the public. Collaborates with other researchers on public health studies involving pesticide exposure and illness. Participates in training, education, and outreach activities related to public health and illness surveillance.

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

Working Conditions

  • Viewing a computer monitor for up to 8 hours a day.
  • Working in a high rise building.
  • Lifting office and/or field equipment up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional overnight travel.
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.

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is anticipated this position will be office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536909
Position #(s):
814-100-5582-208
Working Title:
Research Scientist
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST
$7,150.00 - $9,368.00 A
$7,854.00 - $10,289.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Appointment to this position is pending administrative approval

DPR is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and our vision is for pest management that is safe, effective, and sustainable for all Californians and our environment. Our core values include accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and integrity. We are innovative and passionate about the work we do.

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. Together we further our mission to protect human health and the environment by fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. Join DPR to improve the lives of all Californians.

In compliance with federal law, all hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. (Note: The Department of Pesticide Regulation does not sponsor visas.)

DPR Recruitment Survey – Please click here to complete the survey
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.

• 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: 11/14/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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
Human Resources Branch
Attn: Ms. T. Kalb
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
Human Resources Branch
Ms.T. Kalb
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 required and must be included.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Supplemental Application - A response to the supplemental questions is required to be considered interested/eligible in the position. The supplemental questions and instructions are listed in the "Supplemental Questionnaire" section of this advertisement. You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.
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:
  • Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities.
  • Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity.
  • Possesses public health experience, are detail-oriented as you will review critical scientific papers, have excellent organizational and operational skills, work well with others-as well as independently.
  • Possesses proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Products, particularly Excel and/or Access Desired Experience/Knowledge.
  • Scientific research methodology · AI - SQL · Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Critical Job Competencies

Takes Action and Shows Initiative – Works well independently and is self-motivated to take action to meet critical program goals. Sets and monitors own objectives and standards. Initiates appropriate actions and follows through without prompting or close supervision. Demonstrates strong work ethic.
Relationship and Partnership Building – Builds and effectively uses relationship networks to achieve goals. Shares knowledge and builds trust with scientific colleagues and superiors. Can be discreet and tactful when dealing with sensitive issues.
Effective Communication – Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media. Translates complex or technical information to lay audiences/customers. Facilitates the exchange of ideas and opinions.
Teamwork – Facilitate and maintain cooperative working relationships. Work toward accomplishment of group goals. Must value and encourage the input and expertise of others. Foster commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust.
Self-Motivation – Optimism, Sustained Commitment, Perseverance and Patience - Demonstrate a bias toward optimism and maintain a sense of humor; retain stamina and bounce back from setbacks. View mistakes as opportunities for growth/positive learning experiences.
Organization and Planning – Prioritizes tasks, establishes sequential activities, requests assistance when needed.
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. Translates concepts and ideas into strategies and action steps.

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:
Terry Kalb
(916) 445-2757
terry.kalb@cdpr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Olga Escobar
(916) 324-8849
olga.escobar@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
alexis.carriker@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.

Supplemental Questionnaire

You must answer each supplemental question in its entirety and follow all instructions for answering the questions in order to be considered interested/eligible in the position.

Instructions: Each response should be on its own piece of paper, no more than one page in length, double-spaced, in 12 pt. Arial font. Indicate your name and question number at the top of each page.

Questions:

1. Based on the duty statement for this position, describe how your background, education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities best qualify you for this position.

2. Describe your experience in presenting results of data analysis to the public or internal group.

3. Write a short essay briefly describing a research project you were involved in. Describe the role you played in the project, your responsibilities, interaction with other professionals and/or the public, and the output/outcome of the project.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not take the place of the supplemental application

Additional Information

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.

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