Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Environmental Soil Scientist (#20003660)

General Statement

Under immediate supervision, conducts research, provides technical assistance on processing, regulatory monitoring and reporting, and supervises staff engaged in support of beneficial reuse of biosolids.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Supervises greenhouse, field research and monitoring projects to ensure that work plans are properly executed.
  • Supervises technicians in preparation of samples for analysis and conduct of the analyses, and determines that standard operating procedures are followed and analyses are in control.
  • Supervises maintenance of plantings in the greenhouse and field research plots and related activities.
  • Generates reports communicating results of laboratory analyses to supervisor and other staff.
  • Supervises miscellaneous administrative and/or section support activities.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of chemical and biological materials, some of which may be hazardous or toxic. May involve exposure to fumes and noxious odors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of agronomy and soil science
  • Knowledge of soil, plant, water, and biosolids analytical procedures.
  • Some knowledge of federal regulations on biosolids application to land.
  • Some knowledge of the principles of land application of biosolids.
  • Some knowledge of management and supervisory principles.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

A master’s degree in Soil Science or Agronomy from an accredited college or university.

Promotional Requirement

  • Possession of a master’s degree in soil science or agronomy.
  • One year of service with the District as a Senior Laboratory Technician or Senior Environmental Research Technician.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20003660; EST: 1/1/2017; REV: 1/1/2019;