Environmental Scientist

The State of Indiana is hiring an Environmental Scientist in Fort Wayne, IN, to provide technical assistance and training on on-site sewage systems. The role includes conducting inspections, preparing reports, and collaborating with health departments. A bachelor's degree in a science and local health department experience are preferred. The position offers a starting salary of $47,320 and requires travel for inspections, with occasional office meetings.
Date Posted: Apr 10, 2026

Requisition ID: 474891

Location: Fort Wayne, IN, US, 46802

Fort Wayne, IN, US, 46802

Fort Wayne, IN, US, 46802

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

This position functions as a specialist in on-site sewage systems providing technical assistance and training to local health department staff and other government officials, designers, installers, and the public. Support to local health departments on their on-site sewage system programs also includes assistance in program development, and review for compliance with applicable statutes and rules. A bachelor degree in a science and experience at a local health department is preferred.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:
• Conduct inspections, surveys and investigations of pollution and radiation source facilities.
• Provide consultation to manufactures, service areas, local health organizations and communities utilizing the collected data.
• Prepare technical reports of inspections, surveys and investigations, documents findings and makes recommendations for action, including some licensure and certification.
• Provide expert testimony for administrative hearings and court actions.
• Investigate hazardous events affecting the environment or the health of the public.
• Interpret state and federal laws and regulations governing environmental sanitation conditions utilizing written communications, mass media, public speaking, public information materials and research data.
• Develop plans for implementing and promoting programs and/or updating state laws and regulations.
• Cooperate with federal, state, and local environmental and health agencies and the public in enforcement activities.
• Collect samples of air, water and/or industrial wastes for laboratory analysis.
• Essential functions of this position require travel on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and write reports at those sites or employee’s home. Employee reports to the agency’s office for occasional meetings or events. Number and timing of work hours may vary daily or weekly to accommodate operational needs and staffing concerns at the client’s or customer’s worksite, minimize expenditures for repeated visits to complete the work, and allocate resources to complete assigned work effectively.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
• Analytical skills using scientific methods and data analysis in your research.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to one or more program area such as air and water pollution and solid and hazardous waste disposal.
• Knowledge of environmental health sciences and public and environmental health.
• Knowledge of environmental protection principles and practices including such systems as industrial waste control, water and sewage treatment and air and water pollution.
• Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities including conducting appropriate tests and analyzing findings.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and prepare reports and technical documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with individuals and in group situations.
• Ability to conduct special surveillance of hazardous situations and recommend appropriate action.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or Environmental Bioscience or a related natural resource field is required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.