ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST I

Environmental Scientist I

This position is with RIDEM's Office of Compliance and Inspection (OC&I). OC&I plays a central role in ensuring that individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other regulated entities comply with Rhode Island's environmental statutes, regulations, permits, licenses, and other applicable requirements. This Environmental Scientist I position will conduct inspections for a variety of programs including, but not limited to: Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Solid and Medical Waste, and Septic Systems. Key responsibilities include, conducting site inspections to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, collecting sample using approved sampling methodologies, reviewing and interpreting laboratory analytical reports, and documenting inspection findings. This position requires strong technical, analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to apply environmental regulations in a field inspection setting. A current motor vehicle licenses is required.

General Statement Of Duties: To perform various scientific or engineering tasks and duties necessary; to implement and conduct programs and projects related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental control; and do related work in a statewide environmental program as required.

Supervision Received: Receives general and specific work assignments from a superior with some latitude for exercising independent judgement; work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for results and conformance to accepted standards.

Supervision Exercised: As assigned, may supervise the work of technical, seasonal and/or clerical employees.

Illustrative Examples Of Work Performed:

• To perform various scientific or engineering tasks and duties necessary; to implement and conduct programs and projects related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental control; and do related work in a statewide environmental program as required.
• To assist in the development and implementation of various projects, studies or surveys in the relevant field of environmental management.
• Prepare, review or contribute to clear, technically sound and scientifically accurate technical plans and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations in a statewide environmental program that includes, but is not limited to the fields of air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, water pollution, wetlands, underground and above ground tanks, pollution prevention and/or any other relevant environmental field.
• Collect and analyze data, conduct research, and/or develop action plans related to the identification, causes and effects of environmental pollution.
• Conduct technical inspections of sources to evaluate sources of pollution and assure compliance with applicable federal and state environmental regulations; and provide technical advice relating to the solution of environmental problems.
• As required, review permit applications and other technical documents for completeness and conformance to applicable policies and regulations and make recommendations for acceptance, modification or disapproval. Recommend to a superior that enforcement action be taken when necessary to achieve compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
• Draft technical or other appropriate correspondence and communication when required. Collaborate with a variety of partners and stakeholder groups and contribute to cooperative projects, efforts or activities. Review reports, investigations and studies, interpret findings, prepare written reports and make recommendations to a supervisor.
• Provide technical and scientific advice when required to the department or external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain records, databases or files.
• Do related work as required.

Required Qualifications For Appointment:

Knowledges, Skills And Capacities: A knowledge of the basic principles, practices, procedures and technology employed to preserve, protect and restore the environment of the state; a working knowledge of the state laws and regulations as they relate to environment protection and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to conduct research on the identification, causes and effects of pollution; the ability to prepare scientifically accurate reports on, and develop technical plans for environmental programs; the ability to gather and analyze technical and/or statistical data; the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other government officials, stakeholders and partners; and the ability to engage in field work as required.

Education And Experience:

Education: Must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; meteorology; environmental economics; or a closely related field.