Environmental Scientist III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Energy & Environment Cabinet, Department for Natural Resources, invites applications for an Environmental Scientist III in Pike, KY. You will support surface mining oversight and contribute to regulatory interpretation and policy development.

The ideal candidate will bring strong inspection skills, ability to respond to complaints, and the capacity to present testimony at hearings while working across state and federal agencies to protect Kentucky's air, land, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural, biological or physical science or a degree including 20 semester hours in science.
• Three years of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or related area.
• Graduate study in natural, biological, or physical science can substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering, or related area can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead inspections of surface effects of coal mining operations with technical oversight.
• Issue non-compliance and cessation orders; process mine site evaluation and enforcement documents.
• Respond to complaints and conduct investigations to determine regulatory compliance.
• Attend hearings and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Attend required trainings.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Time Management

Teamwork

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural, biological or physical science

Job description

Advertisement Closes

8/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604331

Environmental Scientist III

Pay Grade

15

Salary

$4,297.66 - $5,941.50 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources

Location

121 Mays Branch rd
Pike, 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 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 and Pikeville Section IV 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 coalmining operations
• Issue non-compliance and cessation orders and also complete and process mine site evaluation and enforcementdocuments
• Respond to complaints and conduct investigations to determine compliance with regulations and documentcitizens' 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 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://dhs.gov/e-verify

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 Jerry Overstreet at [e-mail] or 502-764-1730.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D