TDEC ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 1

Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology), ecology, sustainability or applied science in sustainability, life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology, health physics or biophysics), environmental health, pre‑medicine, engineering or other acceptable science or natural resource related field. Special Qualifications Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment (in some positions). Applicants for the TDEC Environmental Scientist1* or Health Physicist1* in the Division of Radiological Health must successfully complete the training courses offered by the Division of Radiological Health. Failure to do so may result in termination. TDEC Environmental Scientist’s1* performing geologic duties must have completed the required college coursework to be eligible to take the licensing examination offered by Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Board of Professional Geologists, or hold a current Geologic license from the State of Tennessee (or another State with reciprocal rights). Some TDEC Environmental Scientist1* positions assigned to function as Biologists must meet specific educational requirements for Biologists: at least 36 quarter hours (or 24 semester hours) in biology, in one of the following areas: biology or biological sciences, botanical sciences, environmental or conservation sciences, zoological sciences, or aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland biology or ecology or related field. Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions. Overview Under immediate supervision, the incumbent is responsible for learning professional environmental, natural resources, sustainability, environmental assistance program, radiological health, or similar science‑related program work of routine difficulty, and learns to perform related work as required. Distinguishing Features: This is the entry‑level class in the TDEC Environmental Scientist subseries. An employee in this class may be assigned to learn a variety of environmental compliance inspection, monitoring, problem identification, corrective action, and enforcement duties in an environmental regulatory or assistance division, as well as natural resource management and inventory in conservation or other non‑regulatory programs. After a mandatory one‑year probationary period, the employee may be reclassified to TDEC Environmental Scientist2*. Responsibilities Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Investigates complaints; develops corrective recommendations for identified problems, and if necessary, initiates legal action to effect compliance of established standards, laws, rules, regulations, or policies. Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Prepares documentation (such as permits, designs, layouts, blueprints, soil evaluations, etc.) in a concise and defensible manner to ensure Agency's missions are met. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Conducts inspections of equipment, structures, and/or material to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and/or operation. Making Decisions and Solving Problems Learn to determine the validity and severity of an incident and appropriate response. Analyzes available information and makes recommendations to ensure the best solution is chosen to meet regulatory, project, and stakeholders’ needs. Determines validity and severity of violations and whether enforcement action is warranted. Reviews plans and reports to determine future regulatory actions. Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Interprets findings, results (e.g., site inspections, permits, lab results), and communicates interpretation of regulations, policy, or guidance to stakeholders. Prepares various publications, reports, technical documents, maps, and plans. Interacting With Computers Possesses general knowledge and utilizes computer software including but not limited to statistical programs, scientific instruments, modeling, Geographic Information System (GIS), databases, word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc. Generates reports and documents utilizing contemporary computer software. Processing Information Compiles legally defensible environmental documents. Compiles, processes, and reviews records, data, operational plans, enforcement action requests, reports, etc. Reviews Quality Assurance/Quality Control parameters required by acceptable methodologies for each data set. Prepares statistical/metric reports for aquatic, terrestrial, and wetland evaluations. Analyzing Data or Information Analyzes environmental and/or other information, such as monitoring records, site inspections, sampling data to determine if further action is necessary and to evaluate trends. Prepares plans, maps, or reports of findings related to health and environmental data. Analyzes environmental data using mathematical and statistical methods. Assists in developing standards. Performs laboratory or field tests based on specific sample requirements. Reviews plans to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Interprets analytical results to determine data quality and usability. Assists in conducting studies of environmental pollution or ionizing radiation and any socioeconomic effects. Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Performs inspections and/or investigations when required by a specific TDEC program area to determine compliance with laws, regulations, or standards. Enforces environmental or other standards, laws, rules, regulations, or administrative policies and procedures, taking corrective action as warranted. Determines whether permits, applications, NEPA documents, licenses, accreditations, or certifications may be approved by reviewing and evaluating information supplied. Adheres to requirements specified in Standard Operating Procedures and applicable federal and/or state standards. Ensures statutory obligations are fulfilled. Oversees environmental sampling and/or investigations to ensure acceptable procedures are followed. Compares environmental or health data to applicable criteria. Reviews and evaluates applications, forms, plans, inspection documents and other records to ensure technical adequacy. Audit third‑party inspections of facilities to determine compliance with regulatory standards. Assesses fees based on regulatory standards. Performing General Physical Activities Collects environmental samples and/or monitoring data (e.g., soil, rock, air, water, sediment, sludge, biological) under physically demanding conditions. Performs physical activities such as walking in uneven terrain, wading, climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating field equipment. Operates, carries or handles equipment and machinery unassisted. Conducts physically demanding stewardship and natural resource management on state natural areas (e.g., invasive species control, trail maintenance). Documenting/Recording Information Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records, reports, logs, databases, chain‑of‑custody and correspondence per established guidelines. Documents observations during field evaluations to record data collection and ambient site conditions. Documents all relevant work activities, contacts, and meetings. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Performs environmental or health investigations, remediation, and/or monitoring work, including sampling and evaluation of pollutants. Serves as a technical advisor to emergency responders for incidents/accidents. Reviews monitoring data to determine permit compliance, environmental standards and/or ecological conditions. Complies with safe handling, storage and disposal procedures for samples, laboratory reagents and chemicals. Verifies expiration dates of chemicals and supplies, disposing of expired materials per safety rules. Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Maintains, repairs and calibrates electronic equipment such as radiation detection meters, photo‑ionization detectors, pH meters, GPS, and XRF as needed. Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Provides technical expertise in handling events involving radiation and radioactive material. Provides consultative, technical, or educational services to industry, municipalities, counties, individuals, or groups. Updates regulatory information to stakeholders. Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Maintains, repairs, and calibrates mechanical equipment such as ozone monitors, air monitors, laser levels and watercraft as needed. Monitoring and Controlling Resources Ensures contractors’ proposed work activities comply with established rates and/or approved scope of work. Getting Information Conducts, observes or oversees environmental or health surveys, sampling, inventories, or monitoring, including site evaluations. Performs regulatory research to stay current with local, state, and federal standards. Searches for and identifies entities or locations that should be regulated and informs those requiring compliance. Obtains and receives records, data, operational plans, enforcement action requests, survey information, etc. Scheduling Work and Activities Assists in managing state programs including certifying officials, coordination and training, records management, and federal reporting requirements. Schedules assigned work to address compliance monitoring inspections, complaints, investigations, tasks, directives, correspondence, laboratory activities, or biological surveys. Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment Operates personal or assigned vehicles (e.g., watercraft, all‑terrain vehicles, tractors) in accordance with agency policy and traffic laws. Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Develops work and study plans to identify specific goals and activities. Organizes, plans, and prioritizes work to ensure completion by deadlines. Selling or Influencing Others Builds consensus among internal and external stakeholders to further TDEC’s missions and goals. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Works harmoniously with and maintains healthy relationships with stakeholders. Relates observations, conclusions, and opinions to co‑workers and customers respectfully. Collaborates with other agencies to secure early concurrence and input on activities. Training and Teaching Others Provides training to stakeholders who require specific knowledge. Trains other staff on proper methods and procedures for environmental work. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Fulfill educational, training, and safety requirements. Keeps up‑to‑date with technical developments, SOPs, and regulations, applying new knowledge to the job. Seeks professional development opportunities within and outside the agency. Communicating with Persons Outside the Organization Explains validity and severity of incidents to agencies and stakeholders. Communicates findings in approval letters, notices, or enforcement action requests. Serves customers professionally and timely. Provides outreach, designs, and distributes information, and offers technical assistance. Uses GIS to inform stakeholders and improve environmental resources. Coordinates consultations, meetings, workshops, and joint projects. Informs stakeholders of public participation opportunities, policy, and regulation changes. Participates in public participation opportunities as assigned. Performing Administrative Activities Drafts documents for review and signature within required timeframes. Records time, leave, and expenses in the designated computer program. Ensures all files are properly filed. Completes documentation for travel and vehicle use (e.g., mileage logs). Distributes documents to appropriate parties. Coordinated interpretation or translation services, as needed. Manages folders per Records Disposition Authorization. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Provides effective written or verbal communication to supervisors or peers. Advices management of work issues as they arise. Disseminates information appropriately within the agency. Recognizes and communicates potential improvement areas. Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Schedules, attends, observes, or participates in public meetings or outreach. Competencies (KSA's) Decision Quality Functional/Technical Competency Written Communications Customer Focus Technical Learning Listening Problem Solving Time Management Planning Learning on the Fly Knowledge Biology Chemistry Physics Geology Mathematics Customer & Personal Service Law & Government Skills Science Active Listening Judgment & Decision Making Critical Thinking Active Learning Time Management Equipment Selecting Quality Control Analysis Complex Problem Solving Abilities Oral Expression Oral Comprehension Written Comprehension Written Expression Inductive Reasoning Stamina Deductive Reasoning Static Strength Gross Body Coordination Tools & Equipment Personal Computer/Tablet Telephone/Cell Phone/Pager Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax Water Craft/Motor Vehicles Sampling, Monitoring Equipment and Supplies/Tools Radiation Detection Meter Tractors/All‑Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Two‑Way Radios Cameras and Optical Equipment Global Positioning System (GPS) Surveying and Measuring Equipment Safety and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Outdoor Power Equipment and Hand Tools Projector Laboratory Equipment Personal Dosimetry Film Processing Equipment Radiation Survey Equipment #J-18808-Ljbffr