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.

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 may be eligible for a moving/relocation reimbursement. Moving bonus criteria must be met in accordance with the State of Idaho Moving Policy.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting in accordance with the Statewide Telecommuting Policy. Telecommuting may be subject to successful completion of probation.

Position:

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Water Quality Scientist, Scientist 3 for the State Office located in Boise.

Salary Range: $29.75 - $33.71

Responsibilities:

• Surface Water Program Analysis and Tools:
• Analyze pollutant fate and transport from both point and nonpoint sources (NPS) using models and analysis.
• Quantify pollutant load reductions.
• Conduct field work to collect water quality data.
• Conduct database management, including importing data and ensuring data quality objectives are met.
• Map and create spatial data analysis with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Use rapid response tools such as the United States Geologic Survey time of travel application for river spill emergency response modeling.
• Use rainfall/runoff models, such as load reduction modeling, surface irrigation soil loss, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Loads to assist 319 Grant Program applicants estimate proposed project sediment load reductions.
• Identify point source impacts on surface water with mixing zone models.
• Use water quality models to analyze water quality, hydrodynamics, and eutrophication processes to determine pollutant loading at specific flow rates.
• Grant Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS):
• Assist grant applicants with load reduction calculations.
• Update and maintain the online database (GRTS).
• Provide queries of GRTS data with Oracle database tools for total maximum daily load implementation.
• Run error reports and correct data.
• Complete EPA audit calibrations for deadline driven Idaho NPS Substantial Compliance reporting.
• Hazardous Waste and Remediation Support:
• Conduct and provide environmental data analysis and data quality assurance to support hazardous waste and remediation programs.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Scientist 3:

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of physical or biological scientific principles, methodologies, and applications:

• Typically gained by:
  
  

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences or related field and an additional four (4) years of related work experience,

OR;

Equivalent years of experience where two (2) years of applicable experience can substitute for one (1) year of college, and an additional four (4) years of related work experience,

OR;

Possession of a Master's degree in the sciences and an additional two (2) years of related work experience,

OR;

Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy in the sciences or related field,

OR;

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

Education and experience should include scientific assessment, environmental protection and pollution control techniques, such as designing, reviewing, or implementing scientific projects, investigations remediation projects, monitoring projects; OR; Organizing and interpreting laboratory and field data; performing activities associated with pollution prevention and mitigation; and recommending and overseeing the completion of remedial actions.

Required Specialty Minimum Qualification

Good knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, hydrology or related field:

Typically gained by a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, chemistry, hydrology or related field; AND successful completion of at least two (2) college-level courses covering topics related to estimation of water quality, predicting erosion of sediment, or the fate and transport of pollutants.

OR;

Equivalent years of experience in mathematics, chemistry, hydrology or related field, where two (2) years of applicable experience can substitute for one (1) year of college, and an additional one (1) year of experience predicting water quality using either deterministic or statistical models.

Good Knowledge Of Surface Water:

Typically gained by at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in surface water quality such as reviewing, designing or implementing monitoring projects and quality assurance project plans; watershed, riparian area, aquatic habitat, water quality or environmental assessments, pollutant sources assessments, including municipal, industrial and storm water point sources and non-point source activities, such as forestry, mining, agriculture and grazing.

Desired Specialty Minimum Qualification

One year of work experience developing and implementing TMDL's, conducting watershed assessments utilizing water quality and watershed assessment techniques for pollutants of concern, including familiarity with modeling and GIS analytical techniques; developing load and waste load allocations; writing water quality assessments and TMDL/Implementation Plans; presenting findings including technical water quality related information and modeling results to advisory and public interest groups.

At least four (4) years of experience preparing scientific or technical reports and at least two (2) years of experience presenting scientific, technical, or regulatory information to students, the general public, local governments, and professional organizations.

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.
• Ability to climb ladders, staircases, work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds over rough terrain.
• Ability to work in adverse or inclement weather.
• Ability to work in extreme hot or cold temperatures both outside and inside.
• 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
• May work in the vicinity of loud noise.
• May come into contact with hazardous waste/materials.
  
  

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• May be required to travel and stay overnight in remote areas
  
  

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 ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

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 healthand the quality of

Idaho's air, land, and water.

www.deq.idaho.gov

If You Have Questions, Please Contact Us At:

Email:recruitment@deq.idaho.gov

Phone: (208) 373-0333