ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST II

Department

Department of Health

Division

Environmental Services

Salary

$82,314.00 - $92,735.00

Job Profile

JC-02511300-92 - Environmental Scientist II (NEARI PSA DOH)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Non-Standard

Restricted/Limited to Federal funding

Job Requisition Number

JR103206 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST II (Open)

Pay Grade

C00332 A

Classification

Environmental Scientist II

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform moderately complex scientific or engineering tasks and duties necessary to implement and conduct programs related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention, or management in a statewide environmental program as it pertains to environmental protection; and to do related work in a statewide environmental program as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives overall guidance and work assignments from a superior which may include objectives, methods and processes with latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment; work is subject to review for application of accepted environmental control methods and techniques.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As assigned, may supervise, and review the work of an Environmental Scientist I, technical, seasonal, or clerical employees.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To perform moderately complex scientific or engineering tasks and duties necessary to implement and conduct programs related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention, or management in a statewide environmental program.
• To assist in the design, development and implementation of various projects, studies, or surveys in the relevant environmental field of environmental management.
• To be responsible for the implementation of special projects as assigned, including coordination among partners or stakeholder groups.
• To prepare, review or contribute to technically sound and scientifically accurate technical plans and/or documents that may indicate findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the implementation of federal and state environmental standards that includes, but is not limited to, the fields of air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, water pollution, wetlands, underground and above ground storage tanks, pollution prevention, and/or any other relevant environmental field.
• To assist in the development of funding proposals and contracts, as required.
• To collect and analyze moderately complex data, conduct research, and/or develop remedial action plans related to the identification, causes, and effects of environmental pollution and possess the ability to accurately interpret findings, communicate summations and make recommendations.
• As required, review moderately complex permit applications and other technical documents for completeness and conformance to applicable policies and regulations and make recommendations for acceptance, modification, or disapproval.
• As assigned and under the general supervision of a superior, issue minor to moderately complex permit decisions/authorizations as delegated by the Administrator and Program Supervisor.
• To provide and give testimony in court as an expert witness for the state.
• To conduct technical inspections of moderately complex sources of pollution to assure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and provide technical advice relating to restoration of natural resources and/or the solutions to environmental problems as necessary.
• To provide technical and scientific advice or assistance when required, either internally or to external stakeholders.
• To make recommendations to a superior that enforcement action be taken when necessary to achieve compliance with environmental standards and initiate actions where required.
• To draft moderately complex technical or other appropriate communication when required.
• To establish and maintain records, databases or files related to statewide environmental programs.
• Work collaboratively with a variety of partners and stakeholder groups on moderately complex projects, efforts, or activities.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and technology employed to preserve, protect and restore the environment of the state; a thorough knowledge of the state laws and regulations as they relate to environmental protection and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to read and interpret moderately complex scientific or engineering plans and specifications, particularly those relating to industrial, municipal and institutional facilities; the ability to make recommendations on moderately complex environmental issues relating to the improvement of the design, location, operation and maintenance of such areas/facilities; the ability to plan and participate in environmental investigations; the ability to evaluate moderately complex data and assess impacts to natural resources with regard to environmental issues or regulations and associated standards; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil, or environmental engineering; environmental economics or a closely related field; and

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Supplemental Information

This position is located within the Center for Drinking Water Quality and will assist with the implementation and enforcement of the Public Drinking Water Regulations with particular emphasis on returning public water systems to compliance when they have fallen out of compliance with the various drinking water Rules mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The main activities of this position are to function as the rule manager for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR), Inorganic Contaminants Rule (IOC), Groundwater Under the Influence of Surface Water (GUDI) and Groundwater Rule (GWR) within the Center for Drinking Water Quality. As rule manager for these rules, this position is responsible for assuring that disease causing microorganisms in drinking water are minimized. This includes working with seasonal and small public water systems by providing technical assistance to implement standard operating procedures and other various tasks designed to assist in investigating the source of contamination and obtaining and maintaining compliance.

This position will also assist the Center for Drinking Water Quality by utilizing experience and knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology; working with stakeholders and the regulated community to solve complex problems related to water contamination; and provide technical guidance and be responsible for communicating highly technical information effectively to non-technical individuals.

Involves frequent verbal and written communication with coworkers, regulated entities, and water quality laboratories. Entails for strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively during time-sensitive situations (e.g., boil water notices).

Supervision Received: Receives general and specific work assignments from a superior with some latitude for exercising independent judgement; work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for results and conformance to accepted standards.

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.