Environmental Scientist III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Hazard (KY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky invites applications for an Environmental Scientist III in Hazard, KY. This executive-branch, full-time position is eligible for overtime and pays between $4,297.66 and $6,060.44 monthly.

The role focuses on surface environmental protections tied to coal mining oversight, with opportunities to influence state policy and engage with agencies, local governments, and the public. Join the Energy & Environment Cabinet's Department for Natural Resources to lead complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science or a degree with 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.
• Three years of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or related area.
• Graduate study in a natural, biological, or physical science substitutes for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering, or related area substitutes for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• NONE

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide support and technical oversight of more complex inspections of surface effects of coal mining operations.
• Issue non-compliance and cessation orders and process mine site evaluation and enforcement documents.
• Respond to complaints and conduct investigations to determine compliance with regulations and document citizens' complaints.
• Attend hearings and provide expert legal testimony in legal proceedings.
• Attend training as required.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural, biological or physical science

Bachelor's degree with 20 semester hours in natural/biological/physical science

Job description

Advertisement Closes 11/4/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2605769
Environmental Scientist III
Pay Grade 15
Salary $4,297.66 - $6,060.44 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 548 Village Lane
Hazard, KY 41701 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 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

The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is responsible for inspecting all surface andunderground coal mining permits in the state to ensure compliance with the 1977 Federal Surface Mining ControlAct (SMCRA). By joining the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, Hazard Branch, Hazard Section III as anEnvironmental Scientist III, you will have the opportunity to provide support and technical oversight regardingsurface effects 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.

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

• Lead and provide support and technical oversight of more complex inspections of surface effects of coal mining operations.
• Issue non-compliance and cessation orders and also complete and process mine site evaluation and enforcement documents.
• Respond to complaints and conduct investigations to determine compliance with regulations and document citizens' complaints.
• Attend hearings and provide expert legal testimony in legal proceedings.
• Attend training as required.

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

• Communication and organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Teamwork
• 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 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 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: Three years of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or a related area.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Graduate study in a natural, biological, or physical science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

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 the 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 Eric Holbrook at [e-mail] or 606-401-3413.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D