Environmental Scientist

Overview

Environmental Scientist 3 (ES3) — Mine Compliance Inspector, Reno, NV. Part of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation, Compliance Branch. The branch enforces water pollution control permits for mining facilities to protect waters of the State. Inspectors conduct regulatory inspections, review quarterly monitoring reports, investigate spill and permit deviation reports, and initiate enforcement actions based on field observations and report review.

The position involves collaboration with permit writers, permit tees, local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public to ensure concerns related to the water pollution control permitting program are addressed. A valid driver’s license is required for state vehicle operation, and 24-hour mine safety training (MSHA) is required for access to mine sites upon hire.

• 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 involving 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.

• 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 data; analyze data and trends; propose new or revised standards; develop regulations, procedures and protocols and draft legislation.
• Provide information and technical assistance to the public and regulated community; develop and provide training to staff and the regulated community; prepare reports for planning or requests from the legislature, the general public, the regulated community, EPA, or DEP administration; conduct public hearings.
• Conduct research using technical, scientific and historical data to support administrative and resource planning; coordinate with agencies involved in environmental programs; represent the division at meetings with various stakeholders; participate in policy and regulation development.
• Develop grant applications and proposals; negotiate with federal, State, and local agencies; monitor grant performance, expenditures and contracts.
• Develop and draft permits for industry and government entities; compile facility data; review permits for regulatory compliance; perform public permit notification and final permit issuance.
• Perform compliance monitoring; analyze environmental reports; take samples; operate monitoring equipment; evaluate sampling sites.
• Respond to environmental complaints; investigate validity and determine appropriate action.
• Inspect for compliance with regulations; assess pollution control equipment; prepare detailed reports; determine enforcement actions and penalties; testify as required.
• Provide technical services as needed, including pollutant concentration calculations, calibrations and data reporting; input/export data to EPA data systems and use computer modeling as required.
• Perform related duties, provide work direction as needed, and maintain accountability for final work products.

Working knowledge of legal procedures related to enforcement of pollution control, if applicable to the position; EPA and other federal and State grant requirements.

Ability to effectively communicate technical, scientific, regulatory and legal information verbally and in writing; assess hazards and safeguard public safety; identify problems and coordinate with management; lead and organize work; prioritize duties; interpret policies and enforce rules; draft enforcement and mitigation documents; negotiate with regulated communities; analyze complex data.

Susan Ashley – q.ashley.gov

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