Environmental Scientist II
About the role
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) is seeking an Environmental Scientist II to join the Division of Oil and Gas, West Kentucky Branch. This position serves counties within the West Ky. District, including Christian, Barren and surrounding counties. The role provides assistance and technical oversight to the oil and gas industry while working with private citizens, mineral owners and other state and federal agencies.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and implement environmental protection and natural resource policies and procedures for regulatory compliance
- Evaluate drilling permits and well records to provide oversight, technical assistance and compliance direction to well operators
- Evaluate possible violations of laws and regulations
- Advise well operators and drilling and/or well service contractors concerning proper procedures for full compliance with the statutes and regulations
- Develop and monitor notices of non-compliance, corrective action orders, demand letters and agreed orders with the oil and gas industry and bonding entities
- Review plugging contractor's plans and specifications for technical accuracy and oversee the proper plugging of wells upon abandonment
- Investigate complaints from citizens, landowners, mineral owners and well operators relative to the protection of correlative rights, waste of natural resources, protection of the environment due to crude oil and natural gas development and protection of ground water resources
- Prepare reports and technical documents
- Conduct remediation and reclamation investigations of oil and gas well sites and monitor clean-up plans
Qualifications
Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science, OR a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.
Experience: One year of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or a related area.
Substitutions: Graduate study in a natural, biological, or physical science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering, or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Skills
- Knowledge about oil and gas wells
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Self-motivated with excellent time-management skills
- Ability to interpret and enforce regulations and policies
Working conditions
This position works predominantly outside and is exposed to all weather elements. Noise level in the outdoor environment is moderate to loud at times. Travel to well sites can be treacherous on snow, ice or muddy road conditions. Employee will also be exposed to rough terrain, muddy walking, and insect bites. This position is required to maintain a valid driver's license.
Pay
$3,907.04 - $5,509.24 Monthly | Pay Grade 14
Schedule
Full time | 37.5 HR/WK | Eligible for overtime pay