Environmental Program Specialist

The State of Missouri is seeking an Environmental Program Specialist located in Jefferson City, MO. The role involves investigating and managing hazardous substance sites, conducting assessments under CERCLA, and overseeing cleanup projects. Key responsibilities include preparing reports, providing technical assistance, training staff, and coordinating site activities. Candidates should possess strong analytical, compliance, and computer skills, as well as knowledge of ecological concepts.
We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : Stewardship, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position will be located at 1730 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 with the Division of Environmental Quality, Environmental Remediation Program, Superfund Section.

You will investigate and manage site conditions of areas confirmed to be, or potentially contaminated with, hazardous substances. You’ll work on a range of sites in various geographical and geological settings across the state as part of a team of professionals in the Environmental Remediation Program’s Superfund Site Assessment Unit.
• Conduct site assessment investigations under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to evaluate hazardous substance releases.
• Perform project management for assigned hazardous substance cleanup sites, including Superfund remedial action, and removal actions sites in accordance with CERCLA and other federal and state laws and regulations.
• Prepare investigation reports using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance documents.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and serve as coordinator for complex sites.
• Provide training and assistance on the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) and update the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistency among the staff.
• Coordinate sampling needs with staff to revise and update the Pre-remedial Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) as needed.
• Oversee staff development of data quality objectives and quality assurance/control requirements.
• Participate in technical meetings, site visits, sampling events and other field activities. Field activities encompass approximately 10% of the time for this position.
• Coordinate site activities and convey scientific aspects to other Department staff and management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, other federal, state, and local governmental agencies, the regulated community, and public.
• Prepare Geographic Information System (GIS) maps using ArcGIS Pro and other Esri software.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving : Uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Compliance : Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Computer Skills : Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Ecology : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
• Environmental Science : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to protect and improve the quality of the environment and its resources; and to monitor, control, abate, and prevent pollutants.
• Interpersonal Skills : Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:
• A Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline and 4-6 years of relevant experience including but not limited to experience in Natural Resource Management, Data Processing, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Geology, Field Services or Sampling Coordination.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license for travel (occasionally overnight).

(Additional education or experience may substitute for the required education or experience)

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Benefits & Work-life Balance

Our benefits package and flexible 40-hour work week promotes the mental and physical health of you and your family as you work towards achieving your professional goals. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid life insurance, medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance. Learn more here .

How we invest in you:
• Exceptional professional development: mentoring from experienced professionals, cross-media training, career advancement opportunities, paid trainings and continuing education tuition assistance.
• Support for professional registrations when required, through paid study materials, fees, study time, test time, exam fees and licensure renewal fees.

Claire Quick, Site Assessment Unit Chief, 573-522-9528 or Claire.Quick@dnr.mo.gov

Or

Aarick Roberto (DNR Recruiter), 573-522-1503 or dnr.recruiter@dnr.mo.gov