Senior Environmental Research Scientist

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal water resource management agency in Chicago seeks a Senior Environmental Research Scientist. This role involves conducting research on wastewater treatment and supervising testing projects. Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field and three years of research experience. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in environmental management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in water resources sciences or related field.
• Three years of research experience in wastewater treatment technology.
• Ability to direct and monitor research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conducts monitoring and research on wastewater processing technology.
• Assists in solving plant operational problems.
• Prepares technical reports and publications.
• Supervises laboratory and field testing.

Skills

Research methods

Analytical techniques

Communication skills

Knowledge of environmental regulations

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Senior Environmental Research Scientist (#20003664)

Under general direction, carries out more complex/unique applied research projects in relation to wastewater treatment processes, individually or in conjunction with other investigators. Work is characterized by greater freedom of action than at the Environmental Research Scientist level.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts monitoring and research assignments on wastewater and sludge processing technology and in the fields of environmental chemistry, wastewater microbiology, sanitary engineering, wastewater engineering, and environmental engineering.
• Prepares technical work plans, manuscripts for publication and interim and final reports on research programs and projects.
• Assists Maintenance and Operations in solving plant problems such as those relating to sludge dewatering and odor management.
• Assists the Engineering Department through conceptual/preliminary design of treatment processes, sometimes participating in detailed design review
• Supervises and/or leads laboratory, pilot and field testing.
• Assigns, supervises, and reviews work of subordinates.

Other Job Functions

• Reviews technical documents from other District Departments or outside agencies.
• Prepares or participates in seminar and lecture presentations related to research projects.
• Initiates and processes purchase requisitions and payment forms and may perform other administrative duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of chemical and biological materials, some of which may be hazardous or toxic. May involve exposure to fumes and noxious odors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater and sludge treatment processes employed at the District.
• Thorough knowledge in the principles, practices and techniques of wastewater treatment, including sludge processing.
• Thorough knowledge of research methods associated with air, sludge, and water quality monitoring and field and laboratory testing.
• Considerable knowledge of analytical techniques pertaining to wastewater, sludge and air.
• Considerable knowledge of statistical techniques used in analyzing data.
• Considerable knowledge of Federal and State of Illinois environmental regulations.
• Ability to direct, monitor and participate in the development of research projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

A master's degree in water resources sciences, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university. Three years of research experience in the fields of wastewater and sludge treatment technology related to the District's activities.

Substitution

Related graduate study above the master's degree may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.

Promotional Requirement

• One year of service with the District as an Environmental Research Scientist.
• Civil service status as an Environmental Research Scientist.

CLASS: 20003664; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 3/1/2025;