Environmental Scientist I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky in Frankfort, KY seeks an Environmental Scientist I to provide technical oversight for non-coal operations, interpret mine regulations, and assist in field examinations. This is a full-time state role with potential field duties and GIS responsibilities.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological, or physical science and may accept substitutions per policy. Join EEC/DMRE to help protect Kentucky’s land, air, and water resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural, biological or physical science, or equivalent with 20 semester hours in such science.
• Experience, training, or skills: NONE.
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Experience in natural resources or related area may substitute for the required education.
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

Responsibilities

• Support inspections for non-coal operations to ensure compliance with standards.
• Provide technical oversight of 405 KAR Chapter 5 interpretations.
• Assist with on-site examinations to evaluate mining suitability.
• Georeference permit maps and create shapefiles for GIS databases.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Time management

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural/biological/physical science

Bachelor’s with 20 sem hours in natural/biological/physical science

Tools

GIS

Databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/19/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604759

Environmental Scientist I

Pay Grade

13

Salary

$3,551.88 - $4,940.60 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources

Location

300 Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for allKentuckians 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.

The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is responsible for inspecting all surface and underground coal mining permits in the state to assure compliance with the 1977 Federal Surface Mining Control Act (SMCRA). By joining the DMRE/Non-Coal, Explosives & Blasting Branch/Non-Coal & Blasting Section I as an Environmental Scientist I, you will have the opportunity to provide technical assistance and oversight regarding non-coal operations to state and federal agencies, local governments, and the general public in the development, interpretation, and implementation of environmental protection, mitigation and natural resource policies.

Holders of the Environmental Scientist I position will complete tasks such as:

• Provide support and technical oversight of inspections for permitting, bonding and enforcement of non-coal operations to ensure compliance with all performance standards and frequency requirements.
• Provide technical oversight in the interpretation and implementation of 405 KAR Chapter 5 and communicates deficiencies in mine permit applications with non-coal industry officials.
• Provide assistance using on-site, pre-mining examinations to evaluate the suitability for mining.
• Georeference permit maps for permit reviews and inspections and create georeferenced shapefiles of non-coal permits for GIS database.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:

• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Teamwork and initiative.
• Attention to detail and decision-making skills.
• Time management and ability to work under pressure.
• Computer/technology proficiency (databases, Microsoft, etc.).

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skillset 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.

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/.

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: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

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 this 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.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Cameron Mullen at [e-mail] or 502-782-3089.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D