Environmental Scientist I

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist I for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet in Columbia, KY. The role involves inspecting Underground Storage Tank facilities for compliance with environmental regulations, providing technical assistance, and participating in enforcement activities. Candidates should have communication, organization, and technical writing skills, along with a relevant bachelor's degree. Opportunities for career development are available.
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.

By joining the Division of Waste Management, Field Operations Branch, Columbia Section as an Environmental Scientist I in Adair County, you will have the opportunity to inspect Underground Storage Tank (UST) facilities regulated by the Division of Waste Management (DWM) to determine compliance with the environmental laws and regulations for the avoidance and minimization of environmental impacts and make recommendations based on findings as necessary.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist I position will complete tasks such as:
• Conduct entry level environmental scientific inspections of sites regulated by DWM to determine compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Evaluate notifications and complaints of permitted and un-permitted activities.
• Receive formal and informal training and attend DWM activities, complete required administrative reports and maintain assigned equipment.
• Provide technical assistance and information concerning DWM laws and regulations to facilities and others.
• Participate in enforcement activities, case preparation, attend enforcement conferences, and testifies as a witness. Collects scientific samples to document violations.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Communication skills.
• Organization skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Technical writing skills.
• Proficient in the use of computers and Microsoft Office suite of software.

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.

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/.

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.