Environmental Scientist III

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist III for the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands in Hazard, KY. This role involves investigating environmental hazards from inactive mines, conducting inspections, ensuring compliance with regulations, and reporting on reclamation projects. Candidates should have experience in mining hazard investigations, construction inspections, and proficiency in tools like ArcGIS and Microsoft Office. The position offers opportunities for career growth within a supportive work environment.
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 KY Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Central Region Branch Central III Section as an Environmental Scientist III in Perry County, you will have the opportunity to Serve as a technical and scientific advisor for a specialized area, investigating complaints of hazards on inactive or abandoned mines that are no longer operational ensuring there is not a risk to the environment or surrounding communities.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To The Following
• Respond to citizen inquiries to investigate problems potentially caused by pre-law mining.
• Develop and submit detailed reports of citizen inquiry investigations.
• Conduct inspections and provide oversight on reclamation construction projects and act as Section primary contact.
• Ensure compliance to design plans, contract standards, and state and federal guidelines.
• Maintain fiscal documentation on construction projects.
• Provide reports on expenditures and compliance with standard details and specifications.
• Inspect AML reclamation projects to ensure that contractors adhere to design plans, AML standard details, and technical specifications.
• Complete daily reports and complete financial documents related to AML reclamation projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Expectations include, but are not limited to:
• Experience in investigation of pre-law mining hazards.
• Experience in inspection and reporting for construction reclamation projects.
• Experience in use of Survey 123 and ArcGIS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook email and calendar).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.

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: Three years 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.