Environmental Scientist II

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist II in Frankfort, KY. This full-time position involves analyzing water quality data and supporting environmental protection efforts. Candidates should have experience in data management and proficiency in R and Python. The agency may allow telecommuting for part of the week, but this arrangement can be modified or terminated at any time.
Advertisement Closes

3/17/2025 (7:00 PM EST)

25-01138

Environmental Scientist II

Pay Grade
14

Salary

$3,964.04 - $4,719.66 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Dept for Environmental Protection

Location

300 Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute for a portion of the work week. The agency may terminate or modify the
telecommuting arrangement at any time.

Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy & 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.

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 Water, Water Quality Branch as an Environmental Scientist II, you will have the
opportunity to work with a talented team that collects, organizes, reviews, and analyzes water quality data
from lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands across the Commonwealth; these activities are critical to informing
the public of the condition of our waters and in supporting sound decisions in protecting and restoring our
water resources for recreation, domestic water supply, aquatic life, and fish consumption.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist II position will complete tasks such as:

Developing and maintaining reproducible workflows for water quality data compilation, review, analysis, and reporting processes

Working across surface water quality programs to identify opportunities and needs for expanding the use of automated or semi-automated open-source tools that support water quality data analysis and assessment

Reviewing and analyzing water quality data and creating data visualizations and maps to support all functions of the Branch including development of water quality standards; assessments of water quality status; review of monitoring strategies, priorities, and networks; development of water pollution mitigation plans including Total Maximum Daily Loads.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position. Please
provide clear evidence in the submitted application, resume, and/or cover letter:

Experience and skill with managing environmental data and knowledge of data management principles and best practices relevant to these types of data

Experience and skill using open-source scientific computing languages such as R and Python, to create reproducible workflows for data processing, analysis, visualization and reporting; some familiarity with version control systems (Git or GitHub)

Experience and skill with environmental data analysis, data visualization, and data communication

Basic knowledge of biological and physico-chemical field data collection and lab analysis methods

Basic knowledge of water quality, water pollution biology, and/or water pollution control principles

The duties of this position will be primarily performed in an office setting.

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:
One year of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or a related area.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
Graduate study in a natural, biological, or physical science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

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 the 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.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Lara Panayotoff at Lara.Panayotoff@ky.gov or 502-782-7033.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D