TDEC-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST2* - 08252026-80461

Location: Memphis, TN – Department of Environment & Conservation, Shelby County – Division of Water Resources, Memphis Environmental Field Office.

Pay

Monthly: $4,057.00 - $5,078.00
Annual: $48,684.00 - $60,936.00

Schedule

Full-Time

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology), ecology, sustainability or applied science in sustainability, life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology, agricultural science, agronomy, health physics or biophysics), environmental health, pre-medicine, engineering, or other acceptable science or natural resource-related field.
• One year of full-time professional environmental program, natural resource conservation work, or full-time professional work ensuring compliance with radiation safety standards and/or regulations.
• Graduate coursework in the above fields may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis, up to one year (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours = one year).

Necessary Special Qualifications:

• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license at time of appointment (some positions).
• If position requires operating a boat, must obtain a boater’s license.
• For roles in the Division of Radiological Health: must successfully complete training courses offered by the Division of Radiological Health, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or other federal agencies.
• For geologic duties: must have completed required college coursework to take the licensing examination by Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Board of Professional Geologists, or hold and maintain a current Geologic license from Tennessee or a state with reciprocal licensing rights.
• For Biologist roles: bachelor’s degree with at least 36 quarter hours (or 24 semester hours) in biology, including one of the following areas:
  • Biology or biological sciences
  • Botanical sciences
  • Environmental or conservation sciences
  • Zoological sciences
  • Aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland biology or ecology
  • Other acceptable biological science-related field

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and/or investigations of equipment, structures, materials, and sites/facilities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, or standards (e.g., air pollution, water resources, mineral and geologic resources, remediation, underground storage tanks, solid waste management, radiological health, natural areas).
• Perform laboratory or field tests, analyze and interpret environmental data (e.g., monitoring records, sampling data) using relevant methods to evaluate trends, data quality, and usability for determining further action.
• Enforce environmental or other federal/state standards, laws, rules, and regulations through complaint investigations, environmental sampling oversight, and review of applications, plans, inspection documents, reports, or records. Take corrective action as warranted, including initiating legal action to ensure compliance.
• Review, analyze, and maintain documents or data submitted by applicants or acquired through site inspections to determine compliance with environmental or other standards.
• Prepare publications, reports, and technical documents (e.g., permits, designs, soil evaluations, maps, plans) in a concise and legally defensible manner to meet agency missions.
• Review records, data, operational plans, enforcement action requests, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control parameters; interpret findings and results to ensure acceptable methodologies and communicate interpretations to stakeholders.
• Perform environmental or health investigations, remediation, natural resource management, and/or collect environmental samples (e.g., soil, rock, air, water, sediment, sludge, biological) under physically demanding conditions (e.g., ditches, uneven terrain, wading in water, climbing, lifting/carrying equipment up to 50 pounds). Evaluate results/data for compliance with permits, standards, or ecological requirements.
• Maintain, repair, and calibrate electronic equipment (e.g., radiation detection meters, pH meters, GPS, X-ray fluorescence), scientific instruments, and mechanical equipment (e.g., ozone monitors, air monitors, laser levels, watercraft). Inventory chemicals and supplies, disposing of expired materials in accordance with safety rules.
• Provide technical expertise during emergency events, industrial incidents/accidents, and natural catastrophes where environmental impacts (e.g., radiation release, air/water contaminants) are imminent.
• Offer consultative, technical, or educational services to stakeholders (e.g., industry, municipalities, counties, individuals, groups), the public, and staff regarding regulatory information and proper procedures for environmental work to enhance stewardship, health, standards, practices, and safety.

Skills

Competencies:

• Decision Quality
• Communicates Effectively
• Customer Focus
• Tech Savvy
• Manages Complexity

Knowledge:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geology
• Physics
• Law & Government

Abilities:

• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning and Listening
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Time Management
• Writing
• Written Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Limb and/or Full Body Flexibility
• Prolonged Stamina

Tools & Equipment:

• Computer/Tablet/Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax
• Telephone/Cell Phone/Pager/Two-Way Radios
• Watercraft/Motor Vehicle/ATV
• Sampling, Monitoring Equipment and Supplies/Tools
• GPS/PPE/Power and Hand Tools

Driver Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• No record of the following violations in the past five years:
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Reckless driving
  • License suspension for moving violations
  • More than 4 moving violations