SENIOR WATER QUALITY SCIENTIST

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM Mountain Time on the posting end date. 

Important Guidelines: Applicant resumes must demonstrate how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.

Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.

The Department of Environmental Quality may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.

State of Idaho Employees: When searching for a new career within the state, browse and apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State External Career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new job. Internal candidates should always use Luma Opportunities.

This position will require a medical surveillance baseline exam.

Position:

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Senior Water Quality Scientist for the Twin Falls Regional Office (TFRO).

Salary Range: $34.25-$38.82

Responsibilities:

· Program Implementation:

- Conduct, coordinate, facilitate, and implement the Statewide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program for TRFO.

- Develop EPA approvable TMDLs and 5-year reviews.

- Supervise regional activities coordinated with the State Office Water Quality Program to assure that identified milestones are met and they follow approved protocols.

- Work with Technical Services and State Office personnel on the Mid Snake Total Phosphorous TMDL.

· Program Coordination:

- Coordinate TMDL implementation with other programs to promote water quality improvement in impaired water bodies, including statewide programs such as 319 and the Idaho Pollution Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Program.

- Develop and use a surface water quality database that supports multiple programs.

- Respond to harmful algal blooms and complaint calls.

- Ensure compliance with basin advisory groups and watershed advisory groups consultation.

- Assist with National Environmental Policy Act review on projects that impact water quality.

· Project Management:

- Serve as quality manager by working with staff in developing quality assurance program plans and field sampling plans that follow DEQ's Quality Management Plan.

- Support 319 development and implementation.

· IPDES Customer and Regional Support:

- Ensure public records requests customer complaints and are addressed and close them in a timely fashion.

- Mentor IPDES inspectors and ensure inspections are conducted on time and according to IPDES rules.

- Provide monthly reports on the state of IPDES to the TFRO Surface Water Manager and the Regional Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in the physical or biological sciences, or a related field and an additional six (6) years of professional experience designing and implementing scientific applications, investigations, studies such as chemical, physical, or biological monitoring, corrective action plans, analysis, and assessment,

OR;

Equivalent years of experience where two (2) years of applicable experience can substitute for one (1) year of college, and an additional six (6) years of related work experience, as defined above,

OR;

Possession of a Master's degree in the sciences or related field; and an additional four (4) years of related work experience, as defined above,

OR;

Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy in the sciences or related field; and an additional two (2) years of related work experience, as defined above. 

OR;

Any other equivalent combination of education and work experience as described above.

Desired Specialty Minimum Qualification

BS degree and 2 years of water quality experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and work on a computer for 2-4 hours at a time.

• Ability to bend and reach for filing purposes.

• Some periods of heavy reading and typing are required.

• Ability to lift 30 pounds when working with file boxes.

• Some travel may be required.

• Ability to climb ladders, staircases, work on uneven terrain.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds over rough terrain.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds over rough terrain.

• Ability to work in adverse or inclement weather.

• Must be able to wear a respirator.

• Ability to work on elevated instrument platforms, ladders, etc.

• Field sites may involve working near and with drilling rigs, backhoes, trucks and other large equipment in rough terrain.

• Must be able to swim and perform field monitoring work without on-site assistance or supervision.

• Occasional travel required.

• May work in the vicinity of loud noise.

• May be required to travel and stay overnight in remote areas.

• May come into contact with hazardous waste/materials.

• Eyesight needs to be 20/20 (as corrected) to observe field compliance.

Other Requirements:

· Valid driver’s license

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

About Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):

DEQ is a state department created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act to ensure clean air, water, and land in the state and protect Idaho citizens from the adverse health impacts of pollution. As a regulatory agency, DEQ enforces various state environmental regulations and administers a number of federal environmental protection laws including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The agency is committed to working in partnership with local communities, businesses, and citizens to identify and implement cost-effective environmental solutions.

The Department of Environmental Quality may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.

  

  To protect human health and the quality of  

Idaho's air, land, and water.  

www.deq.idaho.gov  

If you have questions, please contact us at:  

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (208) 373-0333