Department of Food & Agriculture

JC-513540

Research Scientist
RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$6,942.00 - $9,799.00 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: 4/22/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

Job Description and Duties

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

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor II, and leadership of the Veterinarian (Specialist) for Surveys and Studies, the Research Scientist (RS) helps to design and implement studies, compile data, perform biostatistical analysis of programmatic information, develop reports, and draw conclusions from research investigations.

Function #1 – Surveillance Program Research and Development 50%

Conduct biostatistical analyses (using statistical analysis software such as SAS, R, STATA, Excel, etc.) on qualitative and quantitative data collected by the program, including from studies of various designs, in order to assess and identify trends in antimicrobial use, antimicrobial resistance, and associated risk factors

Provide analytical feedback on, and support development of, research study designs and instruments used to evaluate and report on antimicrobial use and resistance, and to compare program results with those of other entities, including State and Federal efforts

Research additional analytical methodologies, including risk assessment strategies, that may contribute to a better understanding of antimicrobial drug use practices and the potential impact of antimicrobial drug use on antimicrobial resistance

Function #2 – Research Collaboration 35%

Attend and participate, both virtually and in person, in state and national strategic planning meetings to develop and modify program activities based on current, recurrent, or newly emerging research and trends

Coordinate with other agencies and institutions, including the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) and the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), as needed to accomplish program goals for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting

Function #3 – Special Projects and Assignments 10%

Review and apply laws, regulations, and policies of the Department and division in all aspects of assigned duties

Analyze, provide comments, or respond to letters for legislation, regulations, and inquiries that may affect the program

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

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are mostly conducted indoors; however, the incumbent may occasionally be required to work outside and under difficult conditions.

Travel (including nights, weekends, and holidays) for extensive periods may be required for meetings and events as well as during an emergency response. During emergency response periods, duties may require working long shifts at hours other than the normal work hours.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFAs Telework Policy.

Indoor activities may include:

Operating a computer with various software programs, including e-mail and word processing

Entering data in a computer database

Operating a telephone, facsimile, calculator, and copier

Operating various filing drawers and bins

Processing paperwork and samples

Presenting to large groups

Outdoor activities may include:

Perform duties in livestock facilities at various locations including, but not limited to, saleyards, slaughter plants, and milking parlors

Inspecting livestock at farms, ranches, and saleyards or other livestock facilities

Taking samples from livestock at farms, ranches, saleyards or other livestock facilities

Frequent travel by State vehicle or other modes of transportation to various locations in California, with exposure to associated driving hazards

Standing for extended periods of time

Work in environments with potential exposures to hazards such as allergens, including dust and animal dander, and non-hazardous and hazardous agricultural and industrial chemicals

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-513540

Position #(s):

014-118-5582-XXX

Working Title:

Research Scientist

Classification:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$6,942.00 - $8,922.00 A

$7,625.00 - $9,799.00 B

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) is the statewide program intended to promote judicious use of antimicrobial drugs in livestock and other actions that will slow the development of resistant bacteria associated with animal agriculture. The program gathers data and develops studies related to medically important antimicrobial sales and usage in livestock, livestock management practices and animal health outcomes, and antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with animal agriculture. Additionally, AUS works with universities and other subject matter experts to develop antimicrobial stewardship tools and promote animal husbandry practices that mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance while maintaining animal health.

Special Requirements

The incumbent must possess a valid California driver license subject to driving record approval.

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: 4/22/2026

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 Food & Agriculture

Attn: Human Resource Branch JC-513540

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

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-513540

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-513540

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

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:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Epidemiology/Biostatistics Science is desired.

The incumbent must be able to assist senior scientists with research studies, field trials, and investigations; analyze situations accurately and make appropriate decisions using sound scientific and biostatistical theories, principles, and methods that lead to effective and reliable recommendations; work independently to complete assigned work; work effectively with other team members on program projects and investigations; work well under pressure; meet required deadlines; take effective actions; collaborate with Federal, State, local, university, and other entities in the discharge of program activities; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, stakeholders, decision-makers, and the general public.

Benefits

A competitive starting salary that ranges from $6,942 - $8,922 per Month.

More than two weeks of paid vacation time within the first year of service, sick leave,

and paid holidays.

A benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a CalPERS

pension, opportunities to create retirement savings through a 401(k)

or 457 plan, and the opportunity to receive health insurance in retirement.

On-the-job training and paid professional development days.

The ability to contribute to the success of a first-in-the-nation program and the

opportunity to learn and collaborate with local, state, and federal leaders.

An office environment that supports a balanced lifestyle, flexible telework

opportunities, and opportunities for in-state and out-of-state travel on

assignment or to attend meetings/conferences in-person or virtually, depending on

opportunity, availability, and staff enthusiasm.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Fernando Valenzuela
(916) 617-0090
fernando.valenzuela@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 06/2024 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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