Job Description

Department

Department of Health

Division

Environmental Services

Salary

$73,210.00 - $82,203.00

Job Profile

JC-02511200-92 - Environmental Scientist I (NEARI PSA DOH)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Monday - Friday ​830am to 4:30pm

Restricted/Limited to the federal funding

Restricted/Limited to the leave of the prior incumbent

Job Requisition Number

JR103570 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST I (Open)

Pay Grade

C00328 A

Classification

Environmental Scientist I

Class Definition

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

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.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As assigned, may supervise the work of technical, seasonal and/or clerical employees.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To perform various scientific or engineering tasks and duties necessary; to implement and conduct programs and projects related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental control; and do related work in a statewide environmental program as required.
• To assist in the development and implementation of various projects, studies or surveys in the relevant field of environmental management.
• Prepare, review or contribute to clear, technically sound and scientifically accurate technical plans and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations in a statewide environmental program that includes, but is not limited to the fields of air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, water pollution, wetlands, underground and above ground tanks, pollution prevention and/or any other relevant environmental field.
• Collect and analyze data, conduct research, and/or develop action plans related to the identification, causes and effects of environmental pollution.
• Conduct technical inspections of sources to evaluate sources of pollution and assure compliance with applicable federal and state environmental regulations; and provide technical advice relating to the solution of environmental problems.
• As required, review permit applications and other technical documents for completeness and conformance to applicable policies and regulations and make recommendations for acceptance, modification or disapproval.
• Recommend to a superior that enforcement action be taken when necessary to achieve compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
• Draft technical or other appropriate correspondence and communication when required.
• Collaborate with a variety of partners and stakeholder groups and contribute to cooperative projects, efforts or activities.
• Review reports, investigations and studies, interpret findings, prepare written reports and make recommendations to a supervisor.
• Provide technical and scientific advice when required to the department or external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain records, databases or files.
• Do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A knowledge of the basic principles, practices, procedures and technology employed to preserve, protect and restore the environment of the state; a working knowledge of the state laws and regulations as they relate to environment protection and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to conduct research on the identification, causes and effects of pollution; the ability to prepare scientifically accurate reports on, and develop technical plans for environmental programs; the ability to gather and analyze technical and/or statistical data; the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other government officials, stakeholders and partners; and the ability to engage in field work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; meteorology; environmental economics; or a closely related field.

Supplemental Information

This position requires the chosen applicant to work closely with the Center for Drinking Water Quality (DWQ) rule managers and engineers to ensure that compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, as regulated by the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Drinking Water (Chapter 46-13), is obtained and maintained in order to protect public health. This will be accomplished by working as part of the Enforcement and Compliance Team to track all compliance activities using the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) database; writing and tracking Notices of Violations, public notifications, and other compliance notices; assisting public water system owners and operators and others with understanding their compliance requirements; and overseeing the Consumer Confidence Report and Public Notice rules. Requires frequent verbal and written communication with coworkers, regulated entities, and water quality laboratories. Requires much attention to detail, organization, and proficiency or the ability to quickly learn such databases and programs as SDWIS, ACCESS, and Excel.  Field training may be needed. ​

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.