Environmental Scientist I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Paducah (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Division for Air Quality seeks an Environmental Scientist I in Paducah, KY. The role begins with inspections at permitted sources, responding to citizen complaints, and providing technical assistance to facilities and the public.

Telecommuting may be authorized, with on-site work in a field-ready environment. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological or physical science and be prepared for field and office duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural, biological or physical science.
• No prior experience required.
• Experience in natural resources or related area can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Review reports submitted by facilities
• Conduct source inspections
• Respond to citizen complaints
• Witness stack tests
• Assist facility personnel with questions

Skills

Decision making

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Initiative

Working under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural/biological/physical science

Job description

Environmental Scientist I

Advertisement Closes: 9/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade: 13

Salary: $3,551.88 - $5,008.90 Monthly

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

Location: 130 Eagle Nest Drive
Paducah, KY 42003 USA

Description

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify thetelecommuting arrangement at any time.

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 anenvironmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving theCommonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutionsthat 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 theenvironment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you. For more information on what our cabinet has tooffer, check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuC43XqlHchYeQ66tP7tg and our Careers page: https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx

By joining the Division for Air Quality as an Environmental Scientist I in McCracken County, you will have theopportunity to be responsible for beginning level inspections at permitted sources, responding to citizencomplaints, and providing technical assistance to regulated facilities and the general public.

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

• Review reports submitted by facilities
• Conduct source inspections
• Respond to citizen complaints
• Witness stack tests
• Assist facility personnel with questions

Holders of this job will learn the following skills: (optional)

• Method 9 Certification
• First Aid / CPR training and certification

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

• Decision making skills
• Good communication
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Teamwork, initiative
• Ability to work under pressure

If you are interested in being part of an organization that protects human health and the environment, comejoin us at the Division for Air Quality!

EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirmthat you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer andcompleted the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verifyresponsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as youbuild your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward toreviewing your application.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Matthew Wallace at [e-mail] or 502-782-5889.

Equal Opportunity Statement

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D