Environmental scientist

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist II to support the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet's efforts in protecting land, air, and water resources. The role involves advising on the Clean Water Act and PFAS programs, evaluating permits, promoting pollution prevention, and conducting inspections. This federally funded position is located in Frankfort, KY, and offers benefits comparable to classified employees.
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. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth.

This is a federally funded time-limited (FFTL) position. This means it is a position that is paid entirely as the result of a federal grant. The duration of employment shall not exceed the life of the federal grant that funds the position. An employee appointed to an FFTL position is required to meet the minimum requirements for the classification. Further, an employee appointed to an FFTL position is designated as an unclassified (non-merit) employee. An FFTL employee is eligible to receive benefits at the same level as a classified (merit) employee in a permanent position.

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/Surface Water Permit Branch/Municipal Section as an Environmental Scientist II in Franklin County, you will have the opportunity to: Serve as a technical advisor to staff and agency stakeholders in the implementation of the State's Pretreatment Program. You will also assist in the development of the state's Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) program.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist II position will complete tasks such as:
• Serve as a technical advisor to staff and agency stakeholders in the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Pretreatment and Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) program.
• Evaluate permits, projects, authorizations, and certification applications to determine compliance with existing regulations.
• Promote pollution prevention for environmental control purposes.
• Coordinate with Pretreatment communities the implementation of program specific regulations, policies, and procedures related to PFAS wastewater discharge.
• Coordinate with Pretreatment communities to develop and maintain inventory of sources of PFAS and overall management of PFAS in its wastewater treatment process
• Provide technical assistance to the pretreatment community with wastewater discharges including PFAS.
• Prepare draft reports and outreach for permittees in support of PFAS source identification, PFAS monitoring and effluent requirements, and PFAS effluent discharge reduction strategies.
• Conduct on-site audits and inspections of Pretreatment Programs and prepares reports concerning audit and inspection results.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Ability to communicate well in oral and written form.
• Ability to learn Pretreatment and PFAS programs and take lead role in their administration.
• Ability to perform inspections and develop and issue inspection reports.
• Ability to work well within a team.

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.

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute up to two days per week after completion of a probationary period. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. 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://dhs.gov/e-verify

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.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Bryan Parker at Bryan.Parker@ky.gov or 502-782-5321.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D