Environmental Scientist III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky seeks an Environmental Scientist III in the West Kentucky District to oversee oil and gas regulation compliance and environmental remediation. The position requires reviewing projects, guiding field staff, and ensuring safety and environmental protection across Kentucky’s oil and gas operations.

Responsibilities include evaluating permits, directing site assessments, and providing technical leadership to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological or physical science or a degree with 20 semester hours in such sciences.
• Three years of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or a related area.
• Graduate study substituting for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience substituting for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff activities and serve as a technical advisor within the KASTOW program.
• Evaluate permits and projects to determine compliance with regulations and promote energy efficiency.
• Evaluate orphan well sites and implement downhole plugging instructions.
• Conduct remediation and reclamation investigations for abandoned tank cleanups and site assessments.
• Provide technical expertise on inspections for oil, gas, and underground injection control wells.

Skills

Oil & gas wells

Strong communication

Time management

Regulation interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural/physical science

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/4/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

Job ID

req81453

Job Title

Environmental Scientist III

Salary

$4,297.66 - $6,060.44 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department of Natural Resources

Location

Location Varies

Serving counties within the West Kentucky District: Webster, Barren and/or surrounding counties.

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

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

By joining the Division of Oil & Gas, West Kentucky Branch as an Environmental Scientist III in Webster and surrounding counties, you will have the opportunity to provide assistance and technical oversight to the oil and gas industry and work with private citizens, mineral owners and other state and federal agencies.

• Lead staff activities and serve as a technical advisor within the KASTOW program.
• Evaluate permits and projects to determine compliance with existing regulations, promote pollution prevention, resource extraction, remediation, reclamation, mitigation and energy efficiency.
• Evaluate orphan well sites, develop downhole plugging instructions, and implement plans based on geology and well configuration.
• Conduct remediation and reclamation investigations for abandoned tank cleanups; perform site assessments; and review operation and reclamation plans.
• Provide technical expertise regarding complex well site and/or tank facilities inspections for oil, gas, and underground injection control wells. Implement policies and procedures to support regulatory compliance and to protect correlative rights.

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

• Knowledge about oil and gas wells
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Self-motivated with excellent time-management skills
• Ability to interpret and enforce regulations and policies

Additional position information: (travel required, standing, stooping, bending, lifting, sitting at a desk, etc.)

This position works predominantly outside and is exposed to all weather elements. Noise level in the outdoor environment is moderate to loud at times. Travel to well sites can be treacherous on snow, ice or muddy road conditions. Employee will also be exposed to rough terrain, muddy walking, and insect bites. This position is required to maintain a valid driver's license.

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/.

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

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 Gina Cavender at [e-mail] or 502-782-6915.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D