PAY RANGE: EP11****
GRADUATE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is entry level environmental science work of a training nature analyzing data, assisting in solving environmental problems, and assisting in routine data collection for projects or program activities. Positions in this class are allocated to one of the following assignments in the Water Department: Aquatic Sciences, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management, or in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Plant Sciences or the Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management Assignments only. Employees in this class learn to use analytic skills to perform select environmental or natural resource science techniques, and procedures, analyze data, and carry out sampling plans. Employees assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. Work is performed under the direction of a Parks and Recreation Operations Manager in the Parks and Recreation Department assignments or an Environmental Scientist Supervisor, Engineer, or City Planner Supervisor responsible for directing environmental program activities in the Water Department assignments.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Employees in this class must perform environmental science work of a training nature in the Water Department or Parks & Recreation Department learning to collect environmental data to solve environmental problems.
2. No more than two (2) positions will be allocated to the class in the Parks and Recreation Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
WATER DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENTS
Learns to collect data for environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, nature, and climate change; conducts collection of data and performs basic statistical analyses of data; develops data displays including graphs, charts and tabulation of data records.
Assists with programs and projects that support and further the achievement of the City’s watershed management plans and source water protection plans, and the department’s mandate to educate and inform the public.
Learns to use geographic information systems (GIS) and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.
Learns to compile reports on status of permits, environmental standards, monitoring and sampling data or other program information for use by unit of work assignment.
Assists with annual reporting of water plant energy performance measures, energy project tracking and documentation, internal and external energy communications, energy budget support; learns to develop carbon accounting model and to perform energy accounting analyses; performs statistical analyses; learns to track and trend energy use including conversion into metrics for reporting; learns to support and develop capability to evaluate feasibility analysis for departmental sustainable and renewable energy projects and initiatives.
Analyzes samples with wet chemistry methods or standard laboratory equipment and/or limited instrumentation; learns use of sophisticated instruments; collects and analyzes samples of liquid, solid, and gaseous materials, substances and compounds; logs in samples as received to comply with departmental procedures; participates in research projects by performing routine tests; checks instrumentation for validity and reliability against standards and recalibrates; prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents; maintains data records; learns to prepare reports.
Performs related work as required.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT
Learns to conduct examinations of plants; performs research to support plant diagnostic and survey work.
Assists in the greenhouse nursery initiatives and programs including Greenland Nursery and propagation areas and holding areas; continually collects seed and cuttings from local sources and propagates native plants for use in natural area reclamation; learns to use native plants appropriate for a given site; learns to establish populations of uncommon or absent endemic plant species where feasible.
Learns to prepare and implement annual work plans, budgets, and reports for Greenland Nursery including funding proposals for onsite restoration, research, or public education projects; assists in implementing propagation plans to produce nursery stock and seed in a timely manner.
Participates in research projects by performing routine tests; learns to analyze and perform analytical research on existing and field-collected data; assists in performing scientific studies about tree growth, health, species regeneration and forest stand structure.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the theory and principles of environmental protection and control
· physical, biological and/or environmental sciences
· mathematics, including algebra and statistical methods of scientific analysis
· air, water, hazardous or solid waste pollution measurement and/or control principles
· laboratory and/or field safety practices and procedures
· the application of data or information processing systems
· research and problem-solving practices and techniques
· the principles and practices of laboratory and field methods including the use and care of instrumentation and/or equipment if required by assignment.
SKILL IN:
· using analytical techniques and scientific principles to evaluate data/problems in an environmental protection, control, or monitoring program or project
ABILITY TO:
· perform standard tests and analyses using quality control techniques
· prepare and interpret reports detailing the results of tests and analyses
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates
· learn to interpret and apply relevant federal, state and local regulations and
standards
· express ideas and facts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
· learn Commonwealth of PA regulations and permitting requirements regarding management, collection and propagation of threatened or endangered plant species for the Parks and Recreation Department positions in the Plant Sciences assignment only
· learn to propagate, cultivate and grow plant materials for the Parks and Recreation Department positions in the Plant Sciences assignment only
· learn to design, install, and operate environmental controls including irrigation, lighting, heating, and structures for plant propagation for the Parks and Recreation Department positions in the Plant Sciences assignment only
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/18).
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field. *
*Qualifying scientific fields include:
· Aquatic Sciences: Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology, Limnology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Wetland Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
· Biological Sciences: Bacteriology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
· Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Geosciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrology
· Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management: Forest Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science
· Plant Sciences: Botany, Forestry, Plant Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Soil Sciences
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education or training to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Graduate Environmental Scientist if required by work assignment.
Class Established – 2/74
CSC – 4/14; Ad. Board – 5/14
CSC-3/17; Ad. Board-4/17
CSC – 4/18; Ad. Board – 5/18
Latest Spec Revision: CSC – 9/18; Ad. Board – 10/18
JH