Environmental Scientist (PU Environmental Mgmt Division)

Job Overview

Performs professional and technical duties in an environmental laboratory or in the field.

Salary

$46,654 - $81,681

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, have at least 1-2 years of experience working in a NELAP certified Lab.  Must have a willingness to work during emergency events with on call availability weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Conducts laboratory tests of pollutants samples by using chemical, physical, microbiological, chromatographic, atomic absorption and/or colorimetric analyses.
• Prepares chemical reagents, maintains inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies, maintains sample logs and compiles statistical data.
• Recommends new and improved laboratory procedures.
• Investigates permit applications, field reviews, wetland delineations, and defines jurisdictional limits of wetlands.
• Investigates site mitigation and reviews as built drawings to assure compliance with specifications.
• Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with wetland regulations and takes enforcement action when required.
• Investigates and resolves citizen complaints related to noise, air or water quality.
• Takes water samples from water bodies and tributaries to determine quality and habitat information.
• Performs quality assurance audits on ambient air or water monitoring equipment.
• Conducts special studies and analyses on ambient air quality.
• Conducts surveys of air monitoring stations.
• May make minor repairs and adjustments to laboratory and field instruments and equipment.
• Prepares and submits detailed reports of activities.
• Performs other related duties are required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of laboratory analysis methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental pollutants sampling and testing.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental control and mitigation laws and regulations.
• Skill in the use and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to conduct and interpret chemical laboratory test results.
• Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing for an extended period of time.
• Typically takes place in a laboratory setting.
• Works with chemicals and pollutants.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Natural Science; OR
• An equivalent combination of education (not less that possession of a High School diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.

​​​​​​​Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Manage