Environmental Scientist II

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist II for the Energy and Environment Cabinet in Hazard, KY. The role involves supporting the Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation program through environmental investigations, technical assistance, public meetings, and site visits. Desired qualifications include GIS experience and knowledge of environmental policies. The position requires travel and engagement with local communities, emphasizing a commitment to environmental protection.
Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy and 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

By joining the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, Central Region Branch, Central III Section as an Environmental Scientist II in Perry County, you will have the opportunity to provide support and technical oversight within the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Reclamation program for the evaluation of environmental, mining, natural resources and energy. You will perform technical duties in the development, interpretation and implementation of environmental protection, environmental mitigation, energy and natural resource policies and regulations, such as overseeing changes to policy; data analysis, and reporting; and other duties as required.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To The Following
• Conducts environmental scientific investigations for the AML Reclamation program to determine compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Provides complex technical assistance and information concerning the AML Reclamation program policies and regulations to public, businesses, local, state and federal agencies and lower level staff. Investigates complex environmental issues and responds to inquiries.
• Attends and conducts public meetings and hearings for the AML Reclamation program projects. Meets with officials of state and local agencies and private landowners. Completes and submits reports on these meetings.
• Conducts site visits and reports on the status of active AML Reclamation program and Bond Forfeiture construction sites.
• Reviews and interprets construction plans, specifications, and contracts for assigned projects. Reviews invoices for assigned projects and checks for accuracy.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• GIS experience - ESRI software and Survey 123.
• Experience in interpreting a set of construction plans, technical specifications, and details.
• Good communication skills.
• An understanding of the Abandoned Mine Lands program, guidelines, and policies.

Additional position information: (travel required, standing/stooping/bending/lifting, sitting at a desk, etc.) The position requires travel, occasional overtime, walking in rough terrain, and working with citizens of the Commonwealth.

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/.

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.

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.