PER CCR 249.3, THIS JOB CONTROL MAY BE USED TO FILL SUBSEQUENT VACANCIES.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the SES Specialist is responsible for complex scientific analysis and evaluation of regulatory operations and practices and industry proposals related to environmental health and food safety, including conformance with state governing meat and poultry products, rendering and pet food, and recycling/disposal of inedible materials.

• Conduct assessments, including both initial and ongoing evaluations, of food safety, public health, and environmental health inspection programs according to existing laws and national standards
• Ensure standardization and food safety goals within MPES are aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by assessing operations and overseeing implementation of a Hazard Appraisal and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for all MPES licensed food processing establishments (Retail Processors, Custom Livestock Slaughter, and Poultry Slaughter)
• Lead the Northern District of Meat and Poultry Inspections and work closely with Environmental Scientists, and Veterinarians in daily routine work within the program
• Report to Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor regarding assignments, projects, and routine field inspection work
• Develop and conduct risk analysis for evaluation of industry proposals submitted for approval on a variety of topics, including but not limited to new technology, processing methods, pathogen reduction equivalency, or sanitation protocols in relation to food safety and public and environmental health protection
• Review proposals from industry, i.e., verify that all scientific data submitted in support of industry claims is based on valid research methods; verify that proposed methodologies result in meat and poultry products that are safe for human consumption; that pet food is safe; and that products of rendering are safe for their intended use under proposed conditions, identify and resolve gaps and additional scientific needs, and provide written findings to Branch management relating to safe and effective implementation of individual proposals
• Evaluate Branch authority and recommend proposed changes in legislation and regulations to Branch management related to meat, poultry, pet food and rendering product safety, emergency management and special programs to improve Branch operations
• Coordinate with other regulatory agencies and conduct research for future regulation/legislation change and policy development related to rendering licensing criteria
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by supervisor, Assistant Branch Chief, and/or Branch Chief.

CANDIDATES MAY PERFORM THESE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The duties of this position are conducted primarily indoors. The SES has a shared cubicle on the third floor of a high rise building with standard office equipment and standard or modular office furniture.
The SES often travels to licensed establishments throughout California to conduct inspections and reviews and to meet with plant owners and operators. Meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments and other inspected facilities often have wet, slippery floors, are noisy, and present many potential hazards, such as moving equipment, heavy overhead structures, and knives. The SES often alternates between cold dry coolers, hot humid processing areas and whatever seasonal outside environmental conditions are present around inspected facilities.
Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFAs Telework Policy. Any employee who is teleworking must adhere to all telework policies and procedures.
The incumbent must follow CDFA, Division, and Branch employee health and safety policies.
Travel by State vehicle to various locations throughout the assigned area is required on a frequent basis.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the SES Specialist is responsible for complex scientific analysis and evaluation of regulatory operations and practices and industry proposals related to environmental health and food safety, including conformance with state governing meat and poultry products, rendering and pet food, and recycling/disposal of inedible materials.

• Conduct assessments, including both initial and ongoing evaluations, of food safety, public health, and environmental health inspection programs according to existing laws and national standards
• Ensure standardization and food safety goals within MPES are aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by assessing operations and overseeing implementation of a Hazard Appraisal and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for all MPES licensed food processing establishments (Retail Processors, Custom Livestock Slaughter, and Poultry Slaughter)
• Lead the Northern District of Meat and Poultry Inspections and work closely with Environmental Scientists, and Veterinarians in daily routine work within the program
• Report to Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor regarding assignments, projects, and routine field inspection work
• Develop and conduct risk analysis for evaluation of industry proposals submitted for approval on a variety of topics, including but not limited to new technology, processing methods, pathogen reduction equivalency, or sanitation protocols in relation to food safety and public and environmental health protection
• Review proposals from industry, i.e., verify that all scientific data submitted in support of industry claims is based on valid research methods; verify that proposed methodologies result in meat and poultry products that are safe for human consumption; that pet food is safe; and that products of rendering are safe for their intended use under proposed conditions, identify and resolve gaps and additional scientific needs, and provide written findings to Branch management relating to safe and effective implementation of individual proposals
• Evaluate Branch authority and recommend proposed changes in legislation and regulations to Branch management related to meat, poultry, pet food and rendering product safety, emergency management and special programs to improve Branch operations
• Coordinate with other regulatory agencies and conduct research for future regulation/legislation change and policy development related to rendering licensing criteria
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by supervisor, Assistant Branch Chief, and/or Branch Chief