Department

Department of Health

Division

Environmental Services

Salary

$97,861.00 - $110,450.00

Job Profile

JC-02511600-92 - Environmental Scientist IV (NEARI PSA DOH)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Monday - Friday; 8:30am – 4:30pm​

Non-Standard 35.0

Restricted/Limited to federal funding

Job Requisition Number

JR103657 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST IV (Open)

Pay Grade

C00336 A

Classification

Environmental Scientist IV

Class Definition

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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative direction of an office Administrator or Deputy Administrator with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgement in technical and administrative matters; work may be reviewed for the application of accepted professional principles, methods and techniques, and for conformance to laws, rules and regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Plan, supervise and/or review the work of professional, technical, and/or clerical staff or other staff within an assigned section.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: 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; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: 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; and

Experience: 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.

Supplemental Information

This position is in the Rhode Island Department of Health Center for Drinking Water Quality. This position requires the chosen applicant to work closely with the Center drinking water inspectors, rule managers, engineers, data managers, and other staff to ensure that compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Rhode Island statute, as regulated by the Rhode Island Public Drinking Water Regulations (216-RICR-50-05-1), is obtained, and maintained in order to protect public health. This position will be responsible for coordinating and managing the Sanitary Survey and Level 2 Assessment inspection programs. This program includes routine, conformance, and emergency inspections of all RI public drinking water systems. In addition, this position will be responsible for overseeing the program for security, emergency response, preparedness, and resiliency of public drinking water systems in RI. This position will also oversee the data management section responsible for maintaining the Center’s information system for water quality results, compliance/enforcement actions, and facility inventory as well as routine data reporting to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and assistance with staff and stakeholder data needs. This position will also assist the Center by utilizing experience and knowledge of water chemistry and working with stakeholders and the regulated community to solve complex problems related to source water protection, treatment, distribution, and operations; and provide technical guidance and be responsible for communicating highly technical information effectively to non-technical individuals. Requires frequent verbal and written communication with coworkers, community stakeholders, EPA, partner agencies, regulated entities, laboratories, and consulting firms. Field training may be required. Basic knowledge of the Rhode Island Public Drinking Water Regulations, 216-RICR 50-05-1 is preferred. A working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to quickly learn such databases as SDWIS and Access is preferred.

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.