Environmental Scientist II

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist II to oversee oil and gas industry compliance and environmental protection. The role involves evaluating drilling permits, advising operators, investigating complaints, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Candidates should have knowledge of oil and gas wells, strong communication skills, and be self-motivated. The position allows for telecommuting up to two days per week, with potential modifications to this arrangement.
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3/31/2025 (8:00 PM EDT)

25-01774

Environmental Scientist II

Pay Grade

14

Salary

$3,496.04 - $4,719.66 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources

Location

Location Varies

This position will serve: Henderson, Webster, Union and/or other counties as needed.

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute up to two days per week. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.

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.

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

The Division of Oil and Gas is seeking a self-motivated individual with excellent communication and organizational skills. The incumbent will provide assistance and technical oversight to the oil and gas industry and work with private citizens, mineral owners, and other state and federal agencies.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist II position will complete tasks such as:
• Evaluate and implement environmental protection and natural resource policies and procedures for regulatory compliance. Evaluate drilling permits and well records to provide oversight, technical assistance and compliance direction to well operators.
• Evaluate possible violations of laws and regulations. Advise well operators and drilling and/or well service contractors concerning proper procedures for full compliance with the statutes and regulations. Develop and monitor notices of non-compliance, corrective action orders, demand letters and agreed orders with the oil and gas industry and bonding entities.
• Review plugging contractor’s plans and specifications for technical accuracy and oversees the proper plugging of wells upon abandonment.
• Investigate complaints from citizens, landowners, mineral owners and well operators relative to the protection of correlative rights, waste of natural resources, protection of the environment due to crude oil and natural gas development and protection of ground water resources. Prepare reports and technical documents.
• Conduct remediation and reclamation investigations of oil and gas well sites and monitor clean-up plans.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Knowledge about oil and gas wells
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Self-motivated with excellent time-management skills
• Ability to interpret and enforce regulations and policies

Additional position information: (travel required, standing/stooping/bending/lifting, sitting at a desk, etc.)

This position works predominantly outside and is exposed to all weather elements. Noise level in the outdoor environment is moderate to loud at times. Travel to well sites can be treacherous on snow, ice or muddy road conditions. Employee will also be exposed to rough terrain, muddy walking, and insect bites. This position is required to maintain a valid driver's license.

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skillset 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: 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.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Gina Cavender at Gina.Cavender@ky.gov or 502-782-6915.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D