Environmental Scientist III

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist III for the Energy & Environment Cabinet in Frankfort, KY. The role involves analyzing water quality data, conducting assessments, and managing data systems to protect water resources. Candidates should have knowledge of aquatic science, environmental data management, and skills in data analysis and visualization. Opportunities for career development are available within the Division of Water.
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 (TMDL, Standards & Data Management Section) as an Environmental Scientist III, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team that collects, 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 sounds decisions in protecting and restoring our water resources for recreation, domestic water supply, and aquatic life, and fish consumption.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist III position will complete tasks such as:
• Maintaining processes and coordinating enhancements to the Division's surface water quality and water quality assessment data management systems
• Conducting quality assurance reviews of monitoring and assessment data
• Preparing data submittals of monitoring and assessment data to EPA's WQX and ATTAINS systems
• Conducting assessments of water quality, evaluating and interpreting monitoring data to determine where waters are and are not meeting water quality standards
• Analyzing water quality data, and creating data visualizations and maps to support assessments, standards reviews and updates, review of monitoring strategies, and development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and other water pollution mitigation plans.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Knowledge of aquatic science, water pollution biology, and/or water pollution control principles
• Knowledge of biological and physico-chemical field data collection and lab analysis methods
• Experience and skill with managing environmental data and knowledge of environmental data management principles and best practices
• Experience and skill with environmental data analysis, data visualization, and data communication
• Advanced skill with Excel or similar, and some experience using scientific computing tools such as R and Python for data organization, analysis, visualization, and report preparation
• Experience and skill with using GIS (e.g., ArcGISPro) to create maps and perform basic spatial analyses

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: Three years 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.