Environmental Scientist II

The State of Delaware is hiring an Environmental Scientist II for the Office of Drinking Water in Dover, DE. This role involves overseeing public water systems, assessing funding eligibility, conducting sanitary surveys, and providing technical assistance. Key responsibilities include regulatory compliance, data analysis, and preparing reports for various stakeholders. The position aims to improve public health and safety in Delaware's drinking water systems.
Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

The Office of Drinking Water (ODW) takes charge of administering the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). As the primacy agency, ODW is responsible for the rigorous oversight of all public water systems in the state of Delaware. The individual in this position will report directly to the Capacity Development Program Manager.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Conduct thorough reviews and make decisive determinations regarding the eligibility of applicants for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) program, ensuring they meet all managerial, technical, and financial requirements for funding.

- Assessing the qualifications of applicants for new public water systems, validating that they fulfill the necessary managerial, technical, and financial standards to operate effectively.

- Evaluating Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with a focus on the compliance history of utilities.

- Expertly managing, periodically reviewing, and amending ODW regulations as necessary.

- Providing essential technical assistance to public water systems.

- Conducting sanitary surveys at public water systems to ensure compliance and safety.

- Supporting the Operator Certification Program to maintain high operational standards.

- Leading the development of comprehensive reports for regulatory partners, including the US EPA, the Governor’s Report, and other state agencies, utilizing all available data and information sources effectively.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
• Conducts field studies or inspections and evaluations for compliance with permit and regulatory requirements; observes, collects, analyzes, reviews and interprets data from standard field studies, compliance inspections, various regulatory submissions or literature and makes recommendations.
• Performs statistical analysis of data.
• Conducts technical reviews and makes recommendations on permit applications or other various regulatory submissions to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepares permits, technical reports and/or enforcement case documents.
• Responds to technical/regulatory inquiries from other state, local and federal agencies as well as public and private organizations or individuals.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Scientist II

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
• Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Applied Science or related field.
• Six months experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
• Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
• Six months experience in technical report writing.

Additional Posting Information

This position is Limited Term for up to 2 years and may be extended should funding be available.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware 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. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.