Environmental Scientist I (FFTL)

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist I for a time-limited position in Prestonsburg, KY. The role involves conducting environmental inspections, providing technical assistance, overseeing construction work, and preparing reports. Candidates should have proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication skills, with a background in physical sciences preferred. This position is funded by a federal grant and requires compliance with specific regulations.
Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth.

If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in the environment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you. For more information on what our cabinet has to offer, check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuC43XqlHchYeQ66tP7tg and our Careers page https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx.

This is a federally funded time-limited (FFTL) position. This means it is a position that is paid entirely as the result of a federal grant. The duration of employment shall not exceed the life of the federal grant that funds the position. An employee appointed to an FFTL position is required to meet the minimum requirements for the classification. Further, an employee appointed to an FFTL position is designated as an unclassified (non-merit) employee. An FFTL employee is eligible to receive benefits at the same level as a classified (merit) employee in a permanent position.

By joining the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML), Eastern Region Branch, East Section III as an Environmental Scientist I in Floyd County, you will have the opportunity to, under direct supervision, provide support and technical oversight for the evaluation of environmental, mining, natural resources and energy to the general public, businesses, local, state and federal agencies.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist I (FFTL) position will complete tasks such as:
• Conduct environmental inspections for the AML Reclamation program including collection, organization, evaluation and interpretation of samples and data to determine compliance. Prepare basic reports, correspondences and technical documents.
• Provide technical assistance and information concerning the AML Reclamation program policies and regulations to public, businesses, local, state, and federal agencies. Attend trainings to learn programs.
• Oversee ongoing construction work to assess for quality and implementation of best practices and technical details. Prepare reports on materials and quantities for ongoing projects.
• Attend training and workshops to maintain a working knowledge of ongoing industry trends, divisional guidelines, and technical advancements. Review plans, technical details, and specifications for technical accuracy and compliance. Evaluate documents and provide assessment for areas of improvement.
• Complete and submit regular documentation on assigned items, as required for each. Report on and provide assessments of ongoing work for fiscal and contractual compliance to supervisor. Ensure fiscal compliance within contracts.
• Perform other duties as required.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Background in physical sciences, mining technology, or industrial technology.
• Hold a current valid driver's license.

EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science OR Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office setting. Incumbents in this class may perform work in the field with frequent travel on a statewide basis. An incumbent in this position may be subject to adverse weather conditions, exposure to snakes and insects, water-borne pathogens, broken glass, rusty metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, which require the following of safety procedures.