ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST IV

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To plan, develop, organize, coordinate and supervise a staff engaged in complex duties involved in the coordination and administration of an assigned statewide environmental program; to oversee scientific and/or engineering work of a complex nature; and to do related work as required.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices employed to preserve, protect and improve the environment of the state and the ability to apply such knowledge in the administration and maintenance of a statewide environmental scientific or engineering program
A thorough knowledge of and the enforcement of the state laws and regulations as they relate to the environment and the ability to interpret and apply such laws
The ability to read and interpret all types of scientific or engineering plans and specifications, and to approve or reject proposed changes therein
The ability to plan, organize, review and evaluate the work of a staff of professional, technical, clerical and other personnel
The ability to prepare reports on and develop plans for environmental programs
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, federal, state, local agencies, community organizations, private business enterprises and the public
Graduation from a college of recognized standing with 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
A minimum of seven (7) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering with a special emphasis in air quality, including a minimum of two (2) years in a position involving responsibility for the supervision, guidance and direction of subordinates engaged in professional scientific, engineering or planning functions related to community, regional and/or statewide pollution programs.
Or, possession of a Master’s degree from a college of recognized standing in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; meteorology; environmental economics; or a closely related field; and a minimum of five (5) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering with a special emphasis in air quality, including a minimum of two (2) years in a position involving responsibility for the supervision, guidance and direction of subordinates engaged in professional scientific, engineering or planning functions related to community, regional and/or statewide pollution programs.
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
Candidates should have at least five (5) years of experience in wetland identification and delineation, plant identification, and soil characterization in the glaciated northeastern United States.
Applicants should demonstrate a working knowledge of Rhode Island’s Freshwater Wetland Regulations (250-RICR-150-15-3), the Freshwater Wetlands Act (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 2-1-18 through 2-1-24), and relevant federal (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and state permitting processes.
Proficiency with GIS and GPS mapping is required
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Rhode Island is strongly preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or a related field is preferred.
experience with ArcGIS is preferred.

Responsibilities

To plan, develop, organize, coordinate and supervise a staff engaged in complex duties involved in the coordination and administration of an assigned statewide environmental program; to oversee scientific and/or engineering work of a complex nature; and to do related work as required.
As required, assist in the administration of federal grant programs concerning environmental standards.
To supervise, manage, instruct, guide and assess the technical work of subordinate staff engaged in environmental programs involving scientific and/or engineering work of a complex nature.
To manage staff in data analysis and determine the need for the development of new regulations.
To manage staff in enforcing state environmental regulations and statutes.
To review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
To manage staff charged with the scientific and/or engineering review of technical plans and/or documents plans 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, pollution prevention and/or any other relevant environmental field.
To manage staff charged with collecting and analyzing complex data, conducting research, and/or developing remedial action plans related to the identification, causes, and effects of environmental pollution.
To manage staff that 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 serve as the Hearing Officer at public hearings as needed.
As required, to represent the department at public meetings and hearings, legislative hearings and scientific conferences.
To serve as the liaison between the department and various governmental agencies, partners and other stakeholders.
To provide program direction, guidance and assistance to staff.
To do related work as required.