Environmental Scientist for Spill Investigations

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a qualified Environmental Scientist to represent the agency during emergency response activities in North Dakota. You will perform assessments, collect samples, oversee cleanup work, and assist with enforcement actions and compliance determinations.

Applicants should have a natural or physical science background and be prepared for travel within the state and occasional out-of-state training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field.
• One year of related experience; a master's degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience interpreting regulations and providing guidance on policies and procedures is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and investigations of reported unauthorized releases.
• Collect environmental samples following chain-of-custody procedures.
• Conduct follow-up and technical oversight relating to cleanup activities.
• Participate in enforcement actions as needed.
• Make compliance determinations following applicable science and law.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Provide technical assistance and training.
• Respond to citizen questions and complaints.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Environmental science knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or physical science (biology/chemistry/environmental science)

Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience

Job description

Summary Of Work

This position represents the NDDEQ during emergency response activities, including:

• Conduct assessments and investigations of reported unauthorized releases
• Collect environmental samples following chain-of-custody procedures
• Conduct follow-up and technical oversight relating to cleanup activities
• Participate in enforcement actions as needed
• Make compliance determinations following applicable science and law
• Prepare technical reports and documentation
• Provide technical assistance and training
• Respond to citizen questions and complaints

Position may require traversing difficult terrain, inclement weather and lifting up to 50 lbs. Frequent overnight travel within North Dakota is required. Occasional out-of-state travel for training or meetings may occur. Evening and weekend work may be required to address emergency response activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. DEQ will not provide sponsorships.

DEQ is attempting to fill this position at the Environmental Scientist II level but reserves the right to fill the position as an Environmental Scientist I.

To be considered for an Environmental Scientist II, you must have a bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field and one (1) year of related experience. A master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. Starting salary is $5484/month.

To be considered for an Environmental Scientist I, you must have a bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field. Starting salary is $5223/month.

Experience interpreting regulations and providing guidance on policies and procedures to achieve and maintain compliance; gathering, analyzing, and interpreting scientific or technical information and data; understanding principles and concepts associated with environmental systems; technical writing; and/or working in a team-oriented atmosphere is helpful but not required.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.