Environmental Scientist III

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Energy & Environment Cabinet in Pikeville invites applications for Environmental Scientist III. The role focuses on overseeing surface effects of coal mining, inspecting permits, and providing technical oversight to state and federal agencies.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological, or physical science, or an equivalent, plus three years of relevant experience; probationary period of six months; salary range $4,297.66 to $6,060.44 monthly;

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural/biological/physical science

Job description

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: 121 Mays Branch Road
Pikeville, KY 41501 USA

Advertisement Closes: 11/16/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

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 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/Pikeville 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

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.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Joshua Baldwin at [e-mail] or 502-764-1713.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D