This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Environmental Scientist
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is senior-level scientific, professional, and consultative work implementing federal/state laws and regulations related to natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs involving air quality, water quality, public drinking water protection, land reclamation, hazardous or solid waste management, radiation protection, environmental public health, and/or soil and water conservation.
Serves as department and/or state expert, lead researcher, consultant, or principal investigator to other offices, programs, agencies, public officials, organizations, or the general public.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reports the activities of projects or programs; establishes project practices and procedures; monitors results; implements actions necessary to address deficiencies and reports achievements and statuses.
Researches, investigates, and evaluates complex potential or existing environmental health and safety issues and recommends corrective actions.
Develops, implements, interprets, and enforces complex laws, regulations, and policies; evaluates and recommends modifications to program and commission policies/procedures.
Advises department director, Governor’s office, agency personnel, and/or other management on highly complex, scientific, and/or controversial environmental issues or studies that have potential for substantial environmental and/or economic impact; recommends determinations which result in adoption of official positions or policy stances; and has authority to obligate substantial departmental resources.
Serves as department representative providing guidance and information to other agencies, officials, local and regional organizations, facility owners and operators, and the public; communicates exposures, risks, and related issues; and promotes environmental quality programs and explains agency policies.
Represents the department in compliance settlement agreements; negotiates and recommends resolutions to and/or on behalf of the department; and develops complex enforcement plans and monitors progress.
Oversees the operation and evaluation of a computerized data acquisition system to determine efficiency in the retrieval, transfer, and validation of environmental data; makes final determination of environmental data quality and validity.
Trains, mentors, and assists with staff development; plans, conducts, and/or participates in on-the-job and other training forums to ensure staff competency and safety.
Prepares reference and/or training materials; provides assistance on scientific and technical matters including procedural and regulation changes.
Exercises substantial independence and initiative with the authority to make and enforce decisions concerning highly controversial items/issues and/or those having substantial economic impact; receives administrative direction.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Two or more years of experience as an Environmental Specialist III, Water Specialist III, or Chemist III with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Environmental Science or Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Science, Geology, Engineering, Agronomy, Forestry, Soil Science, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Agriculture, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Soil Conservation, Atmospheric Science or a closely related field; and,
Five or more years of professional experience in environmental protection, environmental or ecological assessment, environmental public health programs, wastewater/public drinking water inspections, or environmental program planning and coordination, including one or more years in a senior-level professional position in one or more of these areas of work.
(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the required general experience.)
(A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for two years of the required general experience.)
(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required college education.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Comprehensive knowledge of current principles, theories, and practices of natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs.
Comprehensive knowledge of current environmental issues and the department’s role, responsibilities, and abilities in addressing such issues.
Comprehensive knowledge of investigation, analysis, research and statistical methods/techniques, regulatory process, and scientific theories and practices as applied to environmental control and/or epidemiology.
Comprehensive knowledge of the environmental legislative and regulatory process, and of applicable laws and rules.
Comprehensive knowledge of data interpretation, risk assessment, and risk management including remediation.
Comprehensive knowledge of project management and oversight skills.
Ability to review, analyze, interpret, enforce, and/or assist in preparation of federal or state laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and peer reviewed scientific literature.
Ability to analyze and evaluate complex environmental issues.
Ability to develop and/or direct the preparation of complex scientific reports, grant documents, bids, contracts, and cooperative agreements, and give presentations.
Ability to plan and manage multiple projects with varying timelines, prioritize work, and make effective decisions.
Ability to discern when legal assistance is required in determining appropriate actions and assessing its impact.
Ability to oversee the technical work product of other staff.
Ability to work independently and as leader of diverse work groups applying advanced scientific and technical expertise.
Ability to facilitate meetings involving both internal and external entities.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, public officials, private sector management, and the general public.
Ability to travel, including overnight.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits