ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST III
About The Position
The Environmental Scientist III works in the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Compliance and Inspection (OC&I), the regulatory compliance and enforcement component of RIDEM. The position is in the Freshwater Wetlands program within the Bureau of Environmental Protection. The role works under a program supervisor and oversees a team of three inspectors. Work is split between the office and the field. The role involves professional scientific work on complex environmental compliance and permitting matters, including wetlands investigations, inspections, and enforcement. It also involves supervising and directing assigned work, interpreting environmental laws and regulations, evaluating complex data, reviewing scientific and engineering plans, and preparing technically sound reports and recommendations. The position may coordinate projects, provide expert advice to partners and stakeholders, and represent the department in meetings with government agencies and other organizations. The candidate must have at least five years of field experience in wetland identification and delineation, plant identification, and soil characterization in the glaciated Northeast. Experience in Rhode Island is a plus. Familiarity with Rhode Island freshwater wetlands laws and regulations and federal and state permitting is required. A current motor vehicle license is required. Candidates without wetland identification and delineation experience and knowledge of DEM wetland regulations will not be considered.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil, or environmental engineering; environmental economics; or a closely related field, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
- At least five years of employment in environmental science or engineering, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
- At least five years of field experience in wetland identification and delineation, plant identification, and soil characterization in the glaciated Northeast.
- Familiarity and experience with Rhode Island Freshwater Wetland Regulations (250-RICR-150-15-3), the Freshwater Wetland Act (RI General Laws § 2-1-18 through § 2-1-24), and federal (USACOE) and state permitting.
- Ability to read and interpret wetland site plans.
- Proficiency in GIS and GPS mapping, including using and making maps.
- Thorough knowledge of environmental protection principles, practices, procedures, and technology.
- Thorough knowledge of state environmental protection laws and regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them.
- Ability to read and interpret complex scientific or engineering plans and specifications.
- Ability to make recommendations on complex environmental issues and improvements to design, location, operation, and maintenance of facilities.
- Ability to plan, supervise, and participate in environmental investigations and evaluate complex data.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to multitask and prioritize work.
- Current motor vehicle license.
- Candidates must have experience and knowledge in wetland identification and delineation and DEM wetland regulations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in Rhode Island wetlands.
- Experience and proficiency in ArcGIS.
- Experience leading a team.
Responsibilities
- Assist in supervising and directing an assigned section, projects, and phases of major projects, including administration of an environmental program.
- Oversee a team of three inspectors in the Freshwater Wetlands program.
- Perform complex scientific work related to environmental compliance, permitting, pollution prevention, and environmental protection.
- Assign and instruct the technical work of others engaged in environmental programs and coordinate projects where applicable.
- Provide direction, advice, assistance, and consultation on specialized scientific programs, permits, regulatory approvals, and problems.
- Develop content and budgets for grant proposals for external funding, where applicable.
- Serve as a liaison between the department and federal, state, and other organizations, agencies, or stakeholders, and represent the department in meetings.
- Prepare, review, or contribute to scientifically accurate technical plans and documents, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations concerning environmental standards.
- Collect and analyze complex data, conduct research, and develop remedial action plans related to environmental pollution; interpret findings and communicate recommendations.
- Conduct technical inspections to assess compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and provide technical advice on environmental problems.
- Prepare, review, or direct the development of technically sound reports, plans, summaries, and other documents.
- Plan, supervise, and participate in environmental investigations.
- Evaluate complex environmental data in relation to environmental issues, regulations, and standards.
- Read and interpret complex scientific or engineering plans and specifications, including wetland site plans.
Benefits
- State of Rhode Island employee benefits are available; details are provided through the Office of Employee Benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
