Environmental Scientist I

Trinity River Authority of Texas; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Trinity River Authority of Texas is seeking an Environmental Scientist in Arlington, Texas. This position involves responsibilities such as planning field studies, analyzing environmental data, and maintaining field equipment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

A Bachelor's degree in Natural Science is required, along with some relevant experience. The position is full-time and includes work under varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or a related field.
• Some experience in field-related activities, environmental data collection, and/or water quality monitoring is desired.
• Specialized knowledge in natural aquatic systems and water quality.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute field studies with supervision.
• Maintain, calibrate, and oversee field equipment.
• Process and manage data produced in the field and laboratory.
• Work with regional and state agencies in environmental studies.
• Create and maintain GIS databases as required.
• Produce high-quality reports using computer applications.

Skills

Field studies planning

Data management

Problem-solving

GIS skills

Basic statistics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Statistical software

Field equipment

Job description

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for field activities, environmental data analysis, data management, and quality assurance/quality control tasks. It is permanent, full‑time, and requires the ability to make sound decisions under stress, to function independently or as part of a team, and to quickly learn and apply new skills. The environmental scientist significantly contributes to study planning efforts, preparation, and execution of field activities, as well as data management and analysis of large continuously generated data sets. The position requires frequent interaction and coordination with other regional and state entities. Problem‑solving skills and attention to detail are paramount. Must complete Texas Boater Education Course within 6 months of hire date unless grandfathered in by law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, coordinate, and execute field studies with supervision. This may require significant effort regarding logistics and other preparations.
2. Maintain, calibrate, and oversee field equipment including boats, acoustic Doppler profilers, electrofishing gear, multiprobe instruments, and a variety of other scientific data collection tools.
3. Process and manage data produced in the field and laboratory, or acquired from third parties. This may include data entry, quality assurance, reporting, analysis, and formatting.
4. Work in conjunction with other cities, regional and state agencies in the completion of environmental field studies.
5. Create and maintain GIS databases as required.
6. Produce high‑quality reports. This will require the use of spreadsheets, databases, word processors, and other computer applications.
7. Perform literature reviews and investigations regarding specific topics of interest.

Work Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

Financial Responsibility

May help administer budgets for specific studies. Will be expected to make small purchases for equipment and supplies.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree, Natural Science or related field.

Experience

Some experience in any combination of field‑related activities, environmental data collection, and/or water quality monitoring is desired.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Texas driver’s license. GIS certification preferred.

Knowledge

Specialized knowledge in natural aquatic systems and water quality; basic statistics and computer software for data analysis. Ability to perform scientific studies.

Skills and Abilities

Plan, prepare, and execute field studies, including operating under adverse conditions. Undergraduate‑level knowledge applied in real‑world situations. Must be able to swim. Ability to operate boats under 20 feet in length is also desired.

Guidance Received

Receives periodic supervision and uses guidelines/range of procedures. Follows periodic direct instructions and guidelines, uses policies and procedures that require some interpretation. Problems that cannot be addressed through an existing guideline, policy or procedure are referred to a supervisor or more senior position. Incumbent must exercise judgment about whether to elevate issues.

Working Conditions

Frequent (estimated 25% of the time) fieldwork under adverse conditions including extreme heat or rain with exposure to potentially dangerous flora and fauna (snakes, poison ivy, etc.). Occasional exposure to treated effluent and water that is known to exceed water quality limits for bacteria. Irregular work hours may be required. Working conditions will be variable and occasionally extend beyond normal business hours to include overnight stays.

Tools and Equipment Used

All manner of field equipment including data sounds, electrofishing gear, boats, etc. Science‑oriented software such as spreadsheets, databases, statistical packages, and GIS.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.