SCIENTIFIC AID

$17 - $21/Yr

State of California - Sacramento, CA

Remote - Sacramento, CA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

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! Under the direct supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Scientific Aid assists in the collecting of samples of fresh and processed food from designated wholesale markets, growers, and retail distributors throughout the State for the Department of Pesticide Regulation's (DPR) Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program and USDA's Pesticide Data Program; completes sample information forms; transports and prepares to ship the samples to a laboratory for chemical analysis; enters specified data into appropriate databases; becomes familiar with the 40 Code of Federal Regulations and Food and Agricultural Code; works closely with DPR staff members and County Agricultural Commissioners staff on issues of fresh agricultural produce and pesticide use; as requested, assists in conducting follow-up investigations of businesses selling illegal produce lots and collects documents to track shipment of lots of produce; issues State quarantines on produce with illegal pesticide residues.

Responsibilities

• Assist in collecting samples of fresh and processed food from designated wholesale markets, growers, and retail distributors.
• Complete sample information forms.
• Transport and prepare samples for shipping to a laboratory for chemical analysis.
• Enter specified data into appropriate databases.
• Become familiar with the 40 Code of Federal Regulations and Food and Agricultural Code.
• Work closely with DPR staff and County Agricultural Commissioners on issues of fresh agricultural produce and pesticide use.
• Assist in conducting follow-up investigations of businesses selling illegal produce lots.
• Collect documents to track shipment of lots of produce.
• Issue State quarantines on produce with illegal pesticide residues.

Requirements

• Valid California Drivers License (CDL).
• Completed the equivalent of two years of college with a minimum of 10 semester hours in relevant scientific coursework, such as pest management, environmental studies, entomology, or agricultural sciences.

Nice-to-haves

• Detail oriented with strong organization and communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Applications.
• Knowledge or experience working with diverse cultural communities.
• Awareness of diverse communities and regional demographics.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and with sensitivity.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program.
• Holiday and leave benefits.
• Commuter reimbursement.