Environmental Scientist Senior DCLB

The Environmental Scientist Senior DCLB position at the State of Louisiana in Baton Rouge involves serving as an expert in environmental programs under the Clean Air Act. Responsibilities include advising stakeholders, developing technical programs, representing the Department on national committees, and overseeing contractors. Candidates need a degree in a scientific field and relevant experience. Benefits include health insurance and paid leave.
About the position

The Environmental Scientist Senior DCLB position is a critical role within the Air Permits Division of the Office of Environmental Services, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This position is responsible for serving as the state expert in environmental programs, particularly those that operate under the requirements of the Clean Air Act. The incumbent will advise various stakeholders on environmental impacts and the potential consequences of industrial, commercial, governmental, or land use activities. This includes responsibilities such as permitting, certification, investigation, inspection, enforcement, emergency response, data collection and assessment, quality assurance, facility classification, laboratory analysis, and environmental assessment programs. As a senior-level expert, the Environmental Scientist will develop and coordinate technical programs within the Department of Environmental Quality. The role requires broad direction from high-level officials such as the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, or Division Administrator. The position may also involve functional or project supervision over lower-level Environmental Scientists. The job is designed as a Dual Career Ladder position, which entails performing higher-level, more complex duties and possessing advanced specialized skills. The selected candidate will be expected to represent the Department of Environmental Quality on national advisory committees, commissions, task forces, or foundations, acting on behalf of the Governor or Secretary. Additionally, the Environmental Scientist will prepare requests for proposals, select contractors, monitor their progress, and draft status reports and position papers on technical issues. This role is essential for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and for providing expert testimony and technical evidence in court proceedings.

Responsibilities
• Serve as the state expert in environmental programs related to the Clean Air Act.
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• Advise stakeholders on environmental impacts and consequences of various activities.
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• Develop and coordinate technical programs within the Department of Environmental Quality.
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• Represent the DEQ on national advisory committees and commissions.
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• Prepare requests for proposals and select contractors for environmental projects.
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• Monitor contractor progress and quality of work, drafting status reports as needed.
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• Provide expert testimony and review court documents related to environmental issues.

Requirements
• A baccalaureate degree in a scientific field such as environmental sciences, chemistry, or biology.
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• Four years of professional level scientific/technical environmental experience, with at least two years at or above the Environmental Scientist 3 level.
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• Experience in environmental compliance programs or environmental laboratory analysis.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in an environmental regulatory program.
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• Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in relevant scientific fields.

Benefits
• Insurance coverage including health, dental, and vision.
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• Paid parental leave of up to six weeks.
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• Paid holidays including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Thanksgiving.
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• Sick and annual leave that can be accumulated over time.
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• Participation in various retirement systems.