Department

Division

Salary

Job Profile

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

This position is with RIDEM’s Office of Compliance and Inspection (OC&I).  OC&I is the regulatory compliance and enforcement component of RIDEM. As part of RIDEM’s Bureau of Environmental Protection, OC&I plays a central role in ensuring that individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other regulated entities comply with Rhode Island’s environmental statutes, regulations, permits, licenses, and other applicable requirements. OC&I’s responsibilities encompass a broad range of environmental compliance and enforcement activities, including: complaint investigation, compliance monitoring and inspections, and environmental enforcement.

Within OC&I, there are eight environmental programs: Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Freshwater Wetlands, Dam Safety, Hazardous Waste, Solid and Medical Waste, Underground Storage Tanks, and Septic Systems.  This Environmental Scientist III position is with the Freshwater Wetlands program, working under the supervision of a program supervisor while also overseeing a team of three inspectors.  The candidate must have a minimum of 5+ years field experience in wetland identification and delineation, plant identification, and soil characterization in the glaciated Northeast, experience in Rhode Island is a plus.  A B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Enviro Science, Soil Science or a related field. Familiarity and experience with Rhode Island’s Freshwater Wetland Regulations (250-RICR-150-15-3), Freshwater Wetland Act (RI General Laws § 2-1-18 through § 2-1-24), and federal (USACOE) and state permitting. Proficiency in GIS and GPS mapping (use and make maps) with experience and proficiency in ARC GIS a plus.  The ability to read and interpret wetland site plans is a must.

This position is split between in-office work and field work. The ideal candidate should have some experience leading a team, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to multi-task and prioritize work.  A current motor vehicle licenses is required.

Candidates without experience and knowledge with wetland identification, delineation and DEM’s wetland regulations need not apply as they will not be considered.

Job Requisition Number

Pay Grade

Classification

Class Definition

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To be responsible for assisting in the supervision and direction of an assigned section, special projects and phases of major projects including the administration of an environmental program; to perform professional scientific and/or engineering work within the section involving difficult and complex environmental issues of compliance, permitting, pollution prevention or management as it pertains to environmental protection; and to do related work as required. To be responsible for the supervision of an allotted section, including the administration of a specific environmental program, as assigned. To perform complex scientific or engineering work in a statewide environmental program. As assigned, to assign and instruct the technical work of others engaged in environmental programs and serve as project coordinator where applicable. To provide direction, advice, assistance and consultation on specialized scientific programs, permits, regulatory approvals and problems. To develop content and budgets for grant proposals for external funding in accordance with departmental policies, where applicable. To serve a liaison between the department and federal, state, or other organizations, agencies or stakeholders and to represent the department in meetings with stakeholders, federal, state, regional and local environmental agencies. To prepare, review or contribute to technically sound and scientifically accurate technical plans and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding the implementation of federal and state environmental standards that includes, but is not limited to, the fields of air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, water pollution, wetlands, underground and above ground storage tanks, and/or any other relevant environmental field. To collect and analyze complex data, conduct research, and/or develop remedial action plans related to the identification, causes, and effects of environmental pollution and possess the ability to accurately interpret findings, communicate summations and make recommendations. To conduct technical inspections of complex sources of pollution to assure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and provide technical advice relating to the solution of environmental problems. To prepare, review or direct the development of clear, technically sound and scientifically accurate reports, technical plans, summaries and/or documents that may include findings, conclusions and recommendations. To provide expert advice, input and guidance to internal or to external partners, stakeholders or other organizations when appropriate. To perform professional scientific or engineering work within the section involving difficult and complex problems in environmental protection. To do related work as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and technology employed to preserve, protect and restore the environment of the state; a thorough knowledge the state laws and regulations as they relate to environmental protection and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to read and interpret complex scientific or engineering plans and specifications, particularly those relating to industrial, municipal and institutional facilities; the ability to make recommendations on complex environmental issues relating to the improvement of design, location, operation and maintenance of such areas/facilities; the ability to plan, supervise and participate in environmental investigations; the ability to evaluate complex data with regard to environmental issues or regulations and associated standards; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; environmental economics; or a closely related field; and Experience: Minimum of five (5) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Class Revised: February 16, 1997

Editorial Review: 3/15/03

Class Revised: April 9, 2023

Supplemental Information

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.