Department Information
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by protecting the health of vulnerable residents and communities from harmful environmental exposures due to climate change related impacts.
- Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
- Check out How to Apply for a Job at CDPH
- Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
- The salary listed in this ad may not include recent adjustments or changes from the fiscal year
- New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or alternate range, as applicable.
- Effective July 2025, California’s Personal Leave Program (PLP 2025) reduces employees’ base pay by 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits monthly through June 2027. The posted salary range does not reflect this reduction.
Job Description And Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by enhancing emergency preparedness and response goals for natural disasters and hazardous materials releases, with a particular emphasis on issues related to environmental exposures and health implications.
The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor I of the Environmental & Occupational Emergency Preparedness Team. As a member of the team, the Research Scientist will conduct community vulnerability assessments and outreach activities to identify and reduce risks from chemical releases and other hazards in California in order to minimize health impacts on communities and vulnerable populations, workers, and first responders. The position requires a close working relationship with team members, stakeholders and other state, local and federal governmental partners. The incumbent serves an integral role in a multidisciplinary team to develop capacity to respond to non-infectious disease emergencies.
Environmental and Occupational Duty Officer Program : Participation in the Duty Officer Program is an essential function of this position. You can expect to spend approximately 10% of your work year performing Duty Officer responsibilities.
- Average Duty Officer Shift is eight weeks per year.
The Duty Officer receives environmental or occupational incident notifications 24/7 and provides technical assistance as necessary.
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:
- Experience with applied public health and environmental health investigations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience with data analysis, geographical assessments, program evaluation, and interpretation of findings to convey to lay audiences.
- Basic understanding of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Experience in engaging with external partners (e.g., government agencies, departments, community-based organizations, private sector).
Statement of Qualifications
In addition to a resume, please provide a one to two page in length Statement of Qualifications that describes your training, skills, and experience as they relate to the duties of the position found in the duty statement.
Eligibility Information
If you are new to California State Service, you must take and pass the examination for this classification to be eligible for hire. Current state employees without transfer or list eligibility must also complete and pass the examination for this classification to qualify for this position.
Examination Link
Telework Information
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
**Final Filing Date: 3/31/2026
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-508465
Position #(s): 580-353-5582-001
Working Title: Environmental Hazards Preparedness Scientist
Classification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST $6,942.00 - $9,799.00
A: $6,942.00 - $8,922.00
B: $7,625.00 - $9,799.00
Work Location: Contra Costa County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time**
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at [email protected] or (916) 445-0983.