Environmental Scientist III

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky through the Energy & Environment Cabinet, Department for Natural Resources, seeks an Environmental Scientist III to support surface coal mining inspections, regulatory compliance, and policy implementation across state agencies and communities.

The role involves travel with the main office in Franklin County, offering a competitive salary of the Executive Branch and room for professional growth while protecting Kentucky’s land, air, and water resources.

Qualifications

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

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 regulatory compliance and document citizens' complaints.
• Attend hearings and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Attend training as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Decision-making skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural/biological/physical science

Job description

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11/15/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2605902

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

Location Varies

This position will require travel as the location varies with the main office being in Franklin County.

Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians 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

The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is responsible for inspecting all surface and underground coal mining permits in the state to ensure compliance with the 1977 Federal Surface Mining Control Act (SMCRA). By joining the Division of Mine Reclamation & Enforcement/Non-Coal and Blasting Section I as an Environmental Scientist III, you will have the opportunity to provide support and technical oversight regarding surface effects of coal mining to state and federal agencies, local governments, and the general public in the development, interpretation, and implementation of environmental protection, mitigation and natural resource policies.

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 you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing 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 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/ .

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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D