Water Quality Data Scientist

Title: CO - P4627 - Water Quality Data Scientist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $80,417

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Water Quality Data Scientist. This position serves as a member of the Office of Ecology responsible for leading management, analysis and interpretation of environmental data, with a primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and associated water quality data, using a strong background in environmental science and advanced statistical and geospatial techniques. Assists with the Department’s responsibilities under Virginia Codes 62.1-44.34:29 and 62.1-44.34:33 by coordinating the transfer and reporting of certain PFAS data with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), data and information generated by other outside entities as well as data generated by the Department. Compiles, inventories, and curates data to identify potential PFAS sources from available local, state, and federal data. Manages the development and maintenance of water quality data analytic tools, applications, templates, extract transform and load (ETL) processes, and other related information and projects as needed. Develops water quality analysis and reporting tools (e.g., R Shiny applications or Python Dash applications, ESRI Web Experiences and Dashboards, Tableau Dashboards, R Markdown/Quarto documents, etc.) for use by other environmental science staff and the public. Leverages programming languages (R or Python), and other analytical software (ESRI products, Tableau) to create and manage these tools. This position also presents data in a manner which facilitates comprehension by technical and non-technical audiences. Reviews technical documents for consistency with regulatory requirements, PFAS analytical methods, and sound science.

Please note: This position follows a hybrid working schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the Central Office of DEQ located in Richmond, VA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental science and policy, biology, water quality standards/criteria, aquatic ecology of freshwater and estuarine systems.
• Knowledge of and experience analyzing environmental data with preference for water quality data, data analytics, statistics, database management and querying, ETL processes, and GIS in support of environmental programs.
• Experience with the following: RStudio and R Shiny (preferred) or Python, Tableau, ESRI Products, SQL, Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Experience working with large environmental datasets, with preference for water quality or water resources data.
• Experience with ETL processes, QA/QC, data analysis, and developing data visualizations, reports, and interactive tools with preference working with water quality or water resources data.
• Ability to work as a team member and maintain good working relationships with the agency teams across water, air, and land protection programs along with other federal, state and local water quality partners.
• Ability to express environmental and data science ideas and concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and/or program needs with competing timelines.
• This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Education, experience, or training in environmental sciences and policy, aquatic ecology, biology, natural sciences, environmental engineering, or related field which provides an advanced understanding of the knowledge, skills and competencies for the position.
• Experience in water quality (preferred) or water resources data management.
• Experience managing water quality data from monitoring programs having a large database, requiring statistical analysis and interpretation preferred.