Environmental Scientist 1/2/3

State of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) seeks an Environmental Scientist to support its mission of providing comprehensive environmental protection to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of Louisiana’s people. This role offers the opportunity to improve water quality through scientific project management, technical writing, mapping, data analysis, problem-solving, and public outreach. The position may progress from Environmental Scientist 1 to Environmental Scientist 3 depending on the selected applicant’s experience. The position starts as an Environmental Scientist and may offer promotion after a year of progressing in the role.

The selected candidate will manage projects under Louisiana’s Nonpoint Source Program and support water quality initiatives through watershed planning, field work, analysis, mapping, stakeholder coordination, outreach, and reporting. The position is located in East Baton Rouge. Appointment may be probationary, a job appointment not to exceed four years, or a promotion of a permanent classified employee. A job appointment could be converted to a probationary appointment if funding becomes available. The minimum compensation offered depends on the level and qualifications: Environmental Scientist 1 is $20.91 per hour, Environmental Scientist 2 is $22.38 per hour, and Environmental Scientist 3 is $25.62 per hour. The job title and salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in an environmental, biological, atmospheric, chemical, health, nuclear, or physical science field; an engineering field; a geography/geosciences field; a natural resources field; or a statistics or quantitative methods field; OR a master’s degree or doctorate in one of those fields.
• Applicants within 90 days of graduating with a qualifying degree may be eligible for the position.
• Applicants with international degrees must submit an equivalency evaluation statement by the announcement closing date.
• Applicants must provide relevant, detailed experience and education information in the application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing the education and experience sections.

Responsibilities

• Manage scientific projects under the Louisiana Nonpoint Source Program, including planning, execution, and oversight of water quality initiatives.
• Develop watershed implementation plans (WIPs) through field surveys, data analysis, mapping, and identification of best management practices.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and project partners to review technical plans, conduct site visits, and ensure project goals and reporting requirements are met.
• Analyze water quality data and land-use impacts using GIS, statistical tools, and modeling to support pollution-control strategies.
• Contribute to outreach, innovation, and reporting, including EPA submissions, educational materials, and evaluation of emerging pollution-control methods.

What This Job Offers

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