Environmental Scientist I

Commonwealth-of-Kentuck; Pikeville (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is seeking an Environmental Scientist I in Pikeville, KY. You will inspect coal mining operations, enforce performance standards, and support environmental protection efforts across state and federal agencies.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in natural, biological, or physical sciences. Occasional field work and travel are required; E-Verify applies and employment offers are contingent on proper documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural, biological or physical science.
• 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science can supplement the required education.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to ensure compliance with all performance standards and frequency requirements.
• Issue cessation and non-compliance orders to violators.
• Provide assistance using on-site, pre-mining examinations to evaluate the suitability for mining.
• Investigate citizens' complaints.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Decision making

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural/biological/physical science

20 semester hours in natural/biological/physical science

Job description

Advertisement Closes

11/8/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

2605782

Job Title

Environmental Scientist I

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

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources

Location

121 Mays Branch Road
Pikeville, KY 41501 USA

Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy and 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 Careerspage https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx

The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is responsible for inspecting all surface andunderground coal mining permits in the state to assure compliance with the 1977 Federal Surface Mining ControlAct (SMCRA). By joining the DMRE/Pikeville Branch/Pikeville Enforcement Section II as an EnvironmentalScientist I, you will have the opportunity to provide technical assistance and oversight regarding surfaceeffects of coal mining to state and federal agencies, local governments, and the general public in thedevelopment, interpretation, and implementation of environmental protection, mitigation and natural resourcepolicies.

• Perform inspections to ensure compliance with all performance standards and frequency requirements.


• Issue cessation and non-compliance orders to violators.


• Provide assistance using on-site, pre-mining examinations to evaluate the suitability for mining.


• Investigate citizens' complaints.

Skills and Expectations include but are not limited to the following:

• Good communication and organizational skills


• Teamwork and initiative


• Attention to detail


• Time management and ability to work under pressure


• Decision-making skills

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skillset as youbuild your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward toreviewing 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 andcompleted the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verifyresponsibilities, 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Gene Blackburn at [e-mail] or 502-764-1715.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D