ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST I

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

1d • $71,077 - $79,809 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Office of Compliance and Inspection’s Hazardous Waste Program and is responsible for conducting site inspections to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal hazardous waste regulations. The successful candidate will perform compliance inspections, evaluate hazardous waste management practices, and assess regulated facilities for adherence to environmental requirements. HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification is a condition of employment; candidates must either possess current certification or be willing to obtain it upon hire. A bachelor’s degree in a physical science is preferred, with a strong background in chemistry. Knowledge of the U.S. EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Regulations is highly desirable. Key responsibilities include collecting liquid and solid waste samples using approved sampling methodologies, reviewing and interpreting laboratory analytical reports, identifying regulated hazardous wastes, and documenting inspection findings. The position requires strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to apply environmental regulations in a field inspection setting.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification is a condition of employment; candidates must either possess current certification or be willing to obtain it upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in a physical science is preferred, with a strong background in chemistry.
• Knowledge of the U.S. EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Regulations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level