ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST III

Department Department of Health Division Environmental Services Salary $88,541.00 - $99,922.00 Job Profile JC-02511400-92 - Environmental Scientist III (NEARI PSA DOH) Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 4:30pm Non-Standard Restricted/Limited to Federal Funding Job Requisition Number JR102338 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST III (Open) Pay Grade C00334 A Classification Environmental Scientist III Class Definition GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for assisting in the supervision and direction of an assigned section, special projects and phases of major projects including the administration of an environmental program; to perform professional scientific and/or engineering work within the section involving difficult and complex environmental issues of compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental protection; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of superior with wide latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; work is subject to review through consultation and submitted reports for conformance to established policies and objectives and accepted environmental control methods and techniques. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As assigned, may plan, supervise and/or review the work of professional, technical, and/or clerical staff or other staff within an assigned section. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED To be responsible for assisting in the supervision and direction of an assigned section, special projects and phases of major projects including the administration of an environmental program; to perform professional scientific and/or engineering work within the section involving difficult and complex environmental issues of compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental protection; and to do related work as required. To be responsible for the supervision of an allotted section, including the administration of a specific environmental program, as assigned. To perform complex scientific or engineering work in a statewide environmental program. As assigned, to assign and instruct the technical work of others engaged in environmental programs and serve as project coordinator where applicable. To provide direction, advice, assistance and consultation on specialized scientific programs, permits, regulatory approvals and problems. To develop content and budgets for grant proposals for external funding in accordance with departmental policies, where applicable. To serve a liaison between the department and federal, state, or other organizations, agencies or stakeholders and to represent the department in meetings with stakeholders, federal, state, regional and local environmental agencies. To prepare, review or contribute to technically sound and scientifically accurate technical plans and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding the implementation of federal and state environmental standards that includes, but is not limited to, the fields of air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, water pollution, wetlands, underground and above ground storage tanks, and/or any other relevant environmental field. To collect and analyze complex data, conduct research, and/or develop remedial action plans related to the identification, causes, and effects of environmental pollution and possess the ability to accurately interpret findings, communicate summations and make recommendations. To conduct technical inspections of complex sources of pollution to assure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and provide technical advice relating to the solution of environmental problems. To prepare, review or direct the development of clear, technically sound and scientifically accurate reports, technical plans, summaries and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations. To provide expert advice, input and guidance to internal or to external partners, stakeholders or other organizations when appropriate. To perform professional scientific or engineering work within the section involving difficult and complex problems in environmental protection. To do related work as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and technology employed to preserve, protect and restore the environment of the state; a thorough knowledge the state laws and regulations as they relate to environmental protection and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to read and interpret complex scientific or engineering plans and specifications, particularly those relating to industrial, municipal and institutional facilities; the ability to make recommendations on complex environmental issues relating to the improvement of design, location, operation and maintenance of such areas/facilities; the ability to plan, supervise and participate in environmental investigations; the ability to evaluate complex data with regard to environmental issues or regulations and associated standards; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education: Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; environmental economics; or a closely related field; and Experience: Minimum of five (5) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience. Supplemental Information This position will be responsible for assisting water systems with lead (Pb) and copper State and federal regulatory requirements. Tasks will include drafting regulations for the new federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and the State Lead Poisoning Prevention Act's lead service line replacement requirements, coordinating outreach needs for new lead and copper laws and regulations; communicating compliance requirements to public water systems; reviewing lead and copper results and associated regulatory documents; consulting with the RIDOH State Health Laboratory on lead and copper results; making compliance determinations of lead and copper results and other requirements such as monitoring, reporting, and public noticing; determining and setting lead and copper monitoring schedules and compliance schedules; communicating and tracking requirements for lead and copper exceedances; coordinating with engineering, enforcement, data management, and other teams within the program; and supervising staff who work on lead service line compliance and lead testing and remediation in schools and childcares. This position will also support water systems in addressing lead and copper via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law/Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. This position will also collaborate with the University of Rhode Island on lead testing in schools and childcares via a cooperative agreement. Benefits For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/. Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.