SOS Environmental Health Scientist I

The State of Nebraska is hiring an Environmental Health Scientist I in Lincoln, NE. The role involves collecting surface water samples, conducting laboratory analyses, and entering data. Candidates should have post high school coursework in physical or life sciences. The position requires outdoor work, driving to remote locations, and some overnight travel. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Administrative Services - Agency 65

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$20.122

Job Posting:
JR2025-00014198 SOS Environmental Health Scientist I (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
03-29-2025

Job Description:
Performs surface water sample collection procedures including the sampling of fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Under immediate supervision, learns to perform well-defined laboratory testing and analysis procedures as well as entering data, reporting findings, preparing laboratory test materials and samples, and cleaning and setting up equipment.

Job Duties:

• Collect physical habitat, chemical, and biological samples from surface waters for DEE surface water monitoring programs, requiring a high level of quality and utilizing sophisticated water quality sampling equipment such as electrofishing gear.

• Independently conduct technical laboratory analysis of surface water samples for bacteria, blue-green algae toxin, and atrazine utilizing analytical equipment and requiring a high level of quality. Operates and maintain laboratory equipment.

• Performs data entry of water quality data into DEE surface water database management system and performs certain quality assurance checks.

• Assist with other Monitoring Section activities as needed including, public presentations, investigations, reports, equipment maintenance, training and other duties as assigned.

• Driving to remote locations for sampling.

• Some overnight travel is expected with travel costs reimbursed.

Requirements/ Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Post high school coursework/training in: physical or life sciences or environmental health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles of physical and biological sciences; the techniques of collecting and analyzing scientific data.

Ability to: interact with individuals to gain their confidence and to establish rapport; communicate orally and in writing with public officials, business people, and the public; compile and interpret environmental health data; conduct physical and biological science studies; evaluate scientific findings and prepare reports based upon those findings of these physical and biological science studies.

Sufficient capability to acquire a knowledge of State laws, rules, and regulations relative to environmental health.

Sufficient learning stamina to work outdoors in inclement weather and in environments exposed to physical hazards, infectious diseases, and toxic/hazardous substances.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.