Environmental Scientist I (#MGBE01)
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Scientist II (#MGBE02)
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$45,798.00 Yearly Min / $57,248.00 Yearly Mid / $68,698.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Scientist III (#MGBE03)
$51,858.00 Yearly Min / $64,822.00 Yearly Mid / $77,786.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Scientist IV (#MGBE04)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Scientist V (#MGBE06)
$70,750.00 Yearly Min / $88,438.00 Yearly Mid / $106,126.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses five levels in the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group, Sciences occupational series and describes work as a technical, scientific advisor within a specialized environmental area for the preservation, management and protection of the state's environmental and natural resources. Work is conducted in support of fish and wildlife management, air quality management, waste management, soil and water conservation and water resources management and related resources.

Note : This career ladder series incorporates levels I, II, III and IV.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. 
The Environmental Scientist V level, though not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

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

• Conducts field studies or inspections and evaluations for compliance with permit and regulatory requirements; observes, collects, analyzes, reviews and interprets data from standard field studies, compliance inspections, various regulatory submissions or literature and makes recommendations.
   
• Performs statistical analysis of data.
   
• Conducts technical reviews and makes recommendations on permit applications or other various regulatory submissions to ensure compliance with regulations.
   
• Prepares permits, technical reports and/or enforcement case documents.
   
• Responds to technical/regulatory inquiries from other state, local and federal agencies as well as public and private organizations or individuals.

Environmental Scientist I

This is the entry level of environmental science work.

• Reports to a technical or administrative superior.
• Depending on the complexity of activities performed, work can be reviewed in progress or at completion of an assignment.
• Performs routine, standard work assignments and assists with more complex assignments.
• Participates or assists in preparing for public meetings by conducting background research and drafting information for use by others.
• May participate on State Emergency Response Team and State Radiological Emergency Response Team.

Environmental Scientist II

This is the full performance level of environmental science work.

• Work is reviewed at critical stages of a project.
• Plans and conducts environmental assessments, studies, investigations or compliance inspections/evaluations and prepares reports of findings; makes recommendations for action.
• Prepares permits or technical reports for review by superior.
• Represents the Division to other state, local and federal agencies, public or private organizations or individuals to discuss findings and recommendations pertaining to environmental studies and/or regulatory actions; may conduct public meetings or hearings.
• May prepare statistical analysis of data and make recommendations.
• May perform technical review and make recommendations on permit applications or other submissions requiring regulatory interpretation to ensure compliance.
• May testify at environmental appeal hearings or court proceedings.
• May make recommendations for action on violations of permits or regulations; may negotiate a resolution with the affected party(ies).
• May draft policies, program authorizations/delegations, regulations or statutory changes and provides recommendations for programmatic improvements.
• May serve on inter-departmental, multi-media, and environmental assessment and/or implementation teams. 
• Provides guidance and training to lower level technical staff.
• May use established computer models to evaluate data to determine trends and outcomes; may collect, organize and analyze data for use in making programmatic recommendations. 

Environmental Scientist III

This is the project management level of environmental science work.

• Work is performed independently and reviewed at completion.
• Designs, plans and oversees the implementation of complex and diverse environmental investigations, studies or projects; prepares report of findings and recommendations for action and may oversee implementation; reviews and critiques studies or reports prepared by other technical staff, contractors and consultants.
• Makes decisions on all aspects of assigned projects that may involve significant state and federal or private expenditures.
• Designs, budgets and oversees project implementation, assessment and evaluation.
• Evaluates complex permit applications or other regulatory submissions, develops statutes or regulations and program requirements such as protocols, procedures, application documents, policies, guidance documents or educational materials. Negotiates, facilitates and integrates an understanding of conflicting points of view.
• Develops regulations, educational materials, procedures, protocols, statutes, grant applications or budget proposals to support department goals and objectives of preserving and protecting the quality of the environment.
• Directs activities of other technical staff.
• Represents the Division/Department as a technical expert to elected officials, the media, federal, state or local agencies, public or private organizations or individuals; may serve as group leader for inter-departmental committees and work groups.
• May use complex statistical or mathematical modeling or analysis to quantify environmental impacts, predict outcomes of management decisions and recommend policy.
• May review complex permit applications, technical reports, or other submissions; prepares and submit permit applications or other work products to state and/or federal agencies.
• May work with Deputy Attorney General to prepare evidence and develop case strategy; testifies as an expert witness.
• May make recommendations for action on violations of complex permits or regulations; negotiates resolutions with affected party(ies); negotiates/resolves conflicting points of view in complex and/or controversial projects; develops enforcement strategy and policy documents.
• May participate in or make recommendations concerning the design, development, evaluation or modification of computer models or information systems to ensure accurate analyses and effective collection, coordination and assessment of environmental information.

Environmental Scientist IV

This is the advanced level of environmental science work conducting complex applied research and program design.

• Receives minimal supervision from an administrative superior.
• Provides expert scientific direction, guidance and assistance to local, state, regional and federal agencies, industry and private sector organizations and individuals. Researches and recommends solutions to complex environmental quality issues requiring application of multi disciplines.
• Develops and evaluates complex applied research projects and programs to ensure the quality and best management practices for protecting and remediating the quality of air, coastline, soil, water, habitat and living resources.
• Interprets research findings for use in assessing environmental and ecological issues and the impact on public health/safety, economics and natural resource conservation.
• Plans and designs future projects and programs and legislative action; and, projects fiscal resources and requirements. Oversees implementation of complex studies, surveys and investigations.
• Writes articles and technical reports for presentation and publication within the scientific community; drafts regulations and legislation.
• Ensures the quality of subordinate staff work through review and edit.

Environmental Scientist V

This level functions as the top environmental science expert for either the Division of Air Quality or the Delaware Coastal Programs Section.

• Reports to an administrative supervisor. 
• Interprets and ensures the integrity of complex and comprehensive data as applied to policy development, environmental quality, or natural resource management. 
• Performs as a staff advisor and consultant with expertise in the most complex of technical specialties and is a recognized leader and authority regionally and nationally within that specific area of scientific specialization.
• Represents the state and department on national and regional committees, which establish the technical standards in the area of expertise.
• Contributes new designs, processes, or techniques, which are regarded as major advances in the field.
• Originates, designs and introduces creative innovative research and development projects to provide basis for new or improved programs, policies or projects.
• Interprets complex data to support implementation of previously untried methods in the formulation of policies and objectives.
• Prepares legislative and regulatory measures dealing with state and national environmental protection or natural resources.
• Testifies as an expert for the State in court and public hearings and provides insight, coordination and expert consulting services on issues and integrated topics involving a specific scientific discipline.
• Prepares program and project assessments and progress reports; prepares and presents technical reports.
• Conducts peer review work of other scientists at a state, regional or national level.
• Contacts include providing expert technical direction, guidance and assistance to division and Department personnel, federal/state agencies, academia, industry and private sector organizations.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the environmental sciences.
• Knowledge of controlled sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods, techniques and procedures of data collection and compilation.
• Knowledge of the concepts of mathematics, chemistry, biology and physical science.
• Ability to conduct field studies, tests, surveys and investigations based on environmental science principles and practices.
• Ability to research and interpret regulations.
• Ability to work with electronic data processing methods.
• Ability to compile, analyze and interpret statistical data.
• Ability to apply federal and state environmental laws, rules, and regulations governing assigned program areas.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Environmental Scientist II requires:

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques and procedures of literary research, field investigation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of technical report writing.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations governing assigned program areas.
• Knowledge of statistical methods of data analysis.
• Skill in analyzing data and facts, drawing conclusions and recommending courses of action.
• Ability to mediate/facilitate groups, meetings and other public forums.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Environmental Scientist III requires:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project leadership and project management.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding sources and budgetary cycles and procedures.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in environmental science and regulation.
• Skill in applying analytical methods including computer and statistical methods.
• Skill in the application of state and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations and department and division goals and objectives.
• Skill in mediating and facilitating groups, meetings and other public forums.
• Skill in building interpersonal relationships with peers, customers, public and private sector and state/federal officials.
• Skill in designing and conducting research and investigations.
• Skill in developing recommended courses of action and expressing ideas clearly, concisely and effectively.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Environmental Scientist IV requires:

• Knowledge of life science, physical science and inferential statistics.
• Knowledge of socioeconomic factors impacting environmental issues.
• Skill in planning, coordinating and interpreting technical issues.
• Skill in mediating diverse and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to design and recommend goals, programs and revised methods.
• Ability to project long-range factors impacting environmental quality.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Environmental Scientist V requires:

• Knowledge of innovative and sophisticated methods, techniques and procedures for research, investigation and analysis involving complex environmental quality and natural resource management issues.
• Skill in analyzing, evaluating, interpreting and assessing comprehensive data and information to determine the impact on present and future division and Departmental programs and projects.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex situations, conditions and information and integrating and determining solutions and/or course of action.
• Skill in applying and integrating advanced theories, concepts, principles and processes to assignments of a diverse and complex nature.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and explain comprehensive data, information, complex situations and conditions in the resolution of design problems and project development.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Scientist V
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

 

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: 

 

1. Possession of a Masters degree in an environmentally related scientific discipline.
2. Possession of scientific prominence or recognition with publication in a scientific or trade journal.
3. Five years experience in environmental or natural resources project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating environmental or natural resources projects to ensure objectives are met.
4. Five years experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
5. Five years experience in interpreting environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.