ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 3

Posting number: 2026-03170

Department: DCNR - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Job classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 3

Posting type: Open Competitive

Categories: Sciences

Summary

This position support and is within the Hydrology branch within the Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (BMRR), Regulation and Closure Program in our Reno location. Is responsible for performing administrative and technical (Hydrogeological and Geochemical) reviews of Site Characterization Reports and Predictive Modeling Results for Designated Mining Facilities (e.g. underground workings, pit lakes, tailings). Will be required to assist permit writers with the drafting of water pollution control (WPC) permits and associated documentation in relation to the technical review findings. Conduct site visits of assigned mining facilities, as warranted, to determine validity of the submitted and approved studies, predictive models, the individual permit, and statutory and regulatory program requirements. Evaluate compliance status based upon field observations and monitoring results. When necessary, this position provides technical assistance and documentation regarding permitting actions and assist in developing enforcement or remedial actions. Assist Closure Branch, Regulation Branch, and Reclamation Branch personnel with the review and approval of long–term management and closure strategies and assess the necessity and scope of additional financial assurances.

Environmental Scientists perform program research, planning and development, permitting, compliance monitoring, inspections/enforcement, and technical support services in relation to air, water, federal facilities, corrective action, mining, biology and waste environmental programs. 

Examples of duties

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the physical, natural resource or life sciences, engineering or closely related field and three years of professional environmental experience which involved environmental program research and planning; OR graduation from high school or equivalent and five years of professional environmental experience as described above; OR one year of experience as an Environmental Scientist 2 in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Qualifications

Develop program documents such as the annual program plan, quarterly activities report, environmental assessments, technical reports and environmental impact statements in accordance with federal and State requirements; review existing program standards; research, compile and verify available data; analyze data and trends including the projected impact of federal, State and local regulations; propose new or revised standards; develop regulations, procedures and protocols and draft legislation; provide information and technical assistance to the general public and regulated community; develop and provide training to staff and the regulated community; prepare various reports as required for planning or in response to requests from the legislature, general public, regulated community, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) administration; conduct public hearings; justify with fact sheets and discussion as required.  

Conduct research through the use of technical, scientific and historical data to provide a tool for administrative and resource planning and decision making; coordinate with other agencies involved in the implementation of environmental programs; represent the division or agency at various meetings involving federal, State and local regulatory and resource agencies, the public, non-governmental organizations and the regulated community; participate in federal, State and local policy and regulation development.

Develop grant applications, proposals for performance, grant workplans, budgets and applications using federal and State policies and procedures; negotiate commitments with federal, State and local agencies; solicit project proposals; negotiate workplans and draft contract documents and required amendments; monitor grant performance, expenditures and contracts.

Develop and draft permits for industry and governmental entities; compile facility data; examine and adapt the permit to applicable standards; establish limitations; review permits for regulatory compliance; perform public permit notification and final permit issuance.   

Perform compliance monitoring; analyze submitted environmental reports in relation to technical, scientific and legal criteria and make recommendations to ensure compliance; take periodic samples according to established protocol and transport to appropriate laboratories; operate va