Environmental Scientist 3

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) is responsible for preparing natural resource damage (NRD) assessments and negotiations/litigation pursuant to federal and state laws to recover damages for injuries to natural resources caused by releases of hazardous substances and oil. The NRDP also develops and implements natural resource restoration plans, in accordance with NRD laws and regulations, which guide the expenditure of recovered funds. This position is an Environmental Scientist Specialist for the NRDP, based in Helena. The role involves approximately 50% of time on assessment and new claims work and 50% on restoration, with these percentages potentially shifting based on the time of year and project progress. Natural resource damage assessment includes quantifying injuries to natural resources caused by hazardous substance releases. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the fate and transport of environmental contaminants, the impacts of hazardous substances and oil on natural resources, and familiarity with natural resource damage regulations in CERCLA and OPA. Responsibilities include developing assessments, coordinating with co-trustees, stakeholders, and agencies overseeing remediation, and supporting NRDP legal staff in claim development and negotiations with responsible parties. Restoration involves developing and implementing restoration plans and projects, including project development, technical oversight of design and construction, and project monitoring and maintenance. The position also handles public outreach and coordination with stakeholders, permitting agencies, and project partners. A significant responsibility includes overseeing NRDP contracts with various consultants and contractors. The position reports to the Environmental Program Manager but may also receive assignments from the Program’s Chief Legal Counsel or Program Administrator.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physical, earth, or life sciences, engineering, or similar.
Four years of directly related experience.
Understanding of fate and transport of environmental contaminants.
Understanding of impacts of hazardous substances and oil on natural resources.
Familiarity with natural resource damage regulations in CERCLA and OPA.

Nice To Haves

Natural resource damage assessment experience.
Knowledge of fate and transport of hazardous substances.
Working knowledge of CERCLA and OPA regulations.

Responsibilities

Conducting natural resource damage assessments and restoration activities.
Preparing natural resource damage (NRD) assessments and negotiations/litigation.
Developing and implementing natural resource restoration plans.
Quantifying injuries to natural resources caused by hazardous substance releases.
Coordinating with co-trustees, stakeholders, and agencies overseeing remediation.
Supporting NRDP legal staff in developing natural resource damage claims and negotiating with responsible parties.
Developing restoration plans and implementing projects, including technical oversight of design and construction.
Monitoring and maintaining restoration projects.
Conducting public outreach and coordinating with stakeholders, permitting agencies, and project partners.
Overseeing NRDP contracts with engineers, scientists, subject matter experts, construction contractors, local governments, non-profits, and other contractors.