Job Description

Job Description and Duties

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

This 12-month limited-term position may be extended to a maximum of 24 months or may become permanent.

Under Assembly Bill 32 and Senate Bill 32 (known as the Global Warming Solutions Acts of 2006 and 2016) California must reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and reduce methane emissions below 2013 levels by the year 2030. The above activities are implemented in OEFI under the authority of the Environmental Farming Act of 1995 (Food and Agriculture Code Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 3, Article 8.5, Sections 566 a) which charges the CDFA with developing and providing incentive programs to farmers whose practices promote the well-being of ecosystems and air quality.

Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (SES) (Supervisory), the incumbent will serve as a technical scientist responsible for planning, implementation activities, and monitoring of implemented projects for CSA programs, focused on the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and technical assistance programs. The incumbent will perform a variety of scientific work to protect the environment and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in the state. The incumbent will use scientific methods and principles to research and identify solutions to problems associated with the implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) programs, assisting in the increase of on-farm water use efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in California, as well as the attainment of other important co-benefits such as improved soil health, water conservation, and promotion of crop or dairy/livestock sustainability in the state. The incumbent must establish and maintain effective working relationships with other State, university, and federal agency scientists, farmers, ranchers, the environmental justice community, and other stakeholders.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Review progress reports and deliverables to ensure projects are technically sound and consistent with activities, estimated benefits, and targets identified in the scope of work.

• Track project performance metrics in coordination with other program staff.

• Review scope of work revision requests and provide recommendations on approval or denial to program supervisor.

• Apply the policies set forth in the relevant Requests for Grant Applications and Grant Award Procedures Manual(s) for the programs and follow established program procedures for management of grants.

• Ensure that the review, selection, award, and post-award management of CDFA grants meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, equity, and fiscal responsibility.

• Assist in conducting grant application cycles, including coordination of technical review of submitted applications, pre-project consultations for projects selected for award, and preparing scopes of work for projects to ensure they meet all technical program requirements.

• Assist in the development of improved administrative policies and processes that contribute to more efficient and effective program management.

• Solicit feedback on programs and identify opportunities for program improvements.

• Participate in technical discussions with management, partner agencies and stakeholders on agricultural water management strategies that promote agricultural resilience to climate change and reduce environmental impact.

• Develop technical, educational, and stakeholder outreach materials, including technical information on incentive programs. This may include the development of web material.

• Support the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation’s (OEFI) Information Officer in developing outreach materials that showcase program benefits.

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 will be conducted indoors and outdoors. The employee’s modular workstation is equipped with standard office furnishings, a computer with a monitor, a telephone with voicemail, and stationary filing drawers.

The incumbent will be required to travel to various locations throughout the State (federal, state, county offices, farms, ranches, and businesses) to conduct all aspects of essential functions related to incentive program administration; occasional overnight and weekend travel may be required.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. Incumbent will be required to travel or remotely connect to attend trainings, workshops, or meetings on behalf of OEFI. Occasional overnight travel is required. The travel requires use of common carriers (airplanes, trains, etc.) and automobiles.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

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:

Desired qualifications include demonstration of your specific experience in:

- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills;

- Show great organizational skills;

- Have the ability to effectively address multiple high priority tasks in a timely manner;

- Have the ability to work independently and in group settings requiring good interpersonal skills;

- Have worked on complex environmental resource issues;

- Have direct work experience and/or formal education related to climate smart agriculture (e.g., hydrology, soils, animal science, etc.).

- Can conduct field inspections or field studies, locally or in remote locations;

- Can work with local, state, or federal agencies to exchange information;

- Use up-to-date computer programs, i.e., MS Word & MS Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Benefits

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

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 required and must be included.
• Degree/Diploma
• Other - Cover Letter
• Other - References

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