Coastal Resources Scientist Supervisor; Enforcement

Office of Enforcement (OENF)

The Office of Enforcement (OENF) is dedicated to ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public and environmental interests through rigorous inspection programs, timely enforcement actions and transparent oversight. The Office emphasizes proactive monitoring, consistent regulatory enforcement and transparent reporting.

Its operations are designed to uphold compliance standards, swiftly address violations and maintain trust and accountability within Louisiana’s regulated community. OENF consolidates all inspectors and enforcement staff into one office to maximize efficiency, consistency and accountability.

District inspectors, pipeline safety, UIC, coastal field services and mining enforcement now operate under a unified structure that emphasizes cross‑training, career progression and consistent enforcement decisions.

OENF issues compliance orders, oversees damage prevention, and coordinates with Revenue, DEQ and Wildlife & Fisheries for joint enforcement. Leveraging data analytics, automation and tools such as drones and sensors, OENF implements a proactive, risk‑based enforcement model that prioritizes public safety while ensuring fair treatment of good operators.

This position serves in a supervisory capacity and is responsible for the direct supervision of three to four Coastal Resources Scientist positions ranging from Coastal Resources Scientist I to III. The staff are geographically distributed throughout Louisiana’s coastal zone and conduct environmental assessments, permit compliance investigations, enforcement activities and ecological field operations.

• Hires, trains and supervises the work of subordinate Coastal Resources Scientists engaged in field operations; operations include biological assessments, permit compliance investigations, enforcement reporting, data collection and regional monitoring.
• Supervises the development of standard operating procedures to ensure accurate and consistent work outcomes; establishes minimum performance standards for staff evaluation.
• Maintains quality assurance of data, records and other generated reports for completeness and proper documentation; organizes and assigns workloads which include planning, scheduling and priority setting.
• Conducts biological assessments requested by permit analysts for coastal use applications. This requires use of field equipment such as trucks, boats and UAVs for monitoring of coastal activities.
• Compiles monthly activity reports for all CRS field staff; represents agency in meetings regarding permit and enforcement actions, public hearings, seminars and workshops; provides yearly staff evaluation and performance ratings as required.
• Participates in oil spill and hazard responses coast wide; maintains up to date training for participation in these responses; responsible for equipment maintenance and repairs; oversees purchase requisitions for subordinate staff.
• Provides consultation to the Section Manager and Division Administrator when requested and performs other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: biological sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related field plus three years of experience in coastal resource management, wetland resource management, environmental science, natural resource management or biology.
• A master’s degree in biological sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related field plus two years of experience in coastal resource management, wetland resource management, environmental science, natural resource management or biology.
• A Ph.D. in biological sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related field plus one year of experience in coastal resource management, wetland resource management, environmental science, natural resource management or biology.

The official job specifications for this role can be found here.

This position is located in the Lafayette Field Office within the Office of Enforcement, Ecology Section. Position location may change based on the hire. The position serves in a supervisory capacity and is responsible for the direct supervision of three to four Coastal Resources Scientist positions distributed throughout Louisiana’s coastal zone.

Appointment Type: Promotional only open to current Louisiana Department of Conservation & Energy employees.

Career Progression: This position does not participate in a Career Progression Group.

Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.