ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 2

3H13

PAY RANGE: EP19

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is full performance environmental science work analyzing data and solving environmental problems in the area of assignment. Positions in this class are allocated to one of the following assignments in the Water Department: Aquatic Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management, or Plant Sciences; or in the Department of Parks and Recreation Department in the Plant Sciences and Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management Assignments only. Employees in this class are responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of programs, plans and policies in the area of assignment with supervisory direction to comply with local, state and federal regulations. Employees in this class use analytic skills and professional judgment to evaluate and/or select environmental or natural resource science techniques, procedures and criteria, analyze data, design sampling and monitoring plans, and develop regulatory reports. Work is performed under the direction of an Environmental Scientist Supervisor, a higher-level Engineer or City Planner responsible for directing environmental program activities for the Water Department or a Park Operations Manager in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

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 analyzing data and solving environmental problems and assisting in the development and implementation of programs and policies in the area of assignment in the Water or the Department of Parks & Recreation.

2. The positions in this class must be located in the Water Department or the Department of Parks & Recreation.

3. No more than two (2) positions will be allocated to the class in the Parks and Recreation Department.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL WATER DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENTS

Conducts environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, nature, and climate change; determines data collection methods for investigative research; conducts basic statistical analyses of data and develops data displays including graphs, charts and tabulation of data records; prepares technical reports and presentations containing findings, statistical analyses, conclusions and/or recommendations.

Creates environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions; identifies environmental mitigation alternatives; ensures compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.

               Applies knowledge from various disciplines as well as the insights from diverse stakeholders to devise and implement efficient, equitable and sustainable solutions to water and environmental problems; reviews current scientific literature related to work assignments; keeps current with trends and new developments in ecology and the assignment area in environmental science.

Compiles reports on status of permits, exceeded environmental standards, monitoring and sampling data recovery or other program activities for use by Environmental Protection Agency, the department and others; assists with writing or revising program procedures or guidelines.

Provides and coordinates assistance to the public, industry, grant and permit applicants, state and local agencies and others on technical and administrative aspects of department activities.

Plans and implements research projects and special surveys related to drinking water quality and pollution control; prepares technical reports and position policy papers resulting from analysis and research findings; discusses data and issues with colleagues and other specialists; compiles information and submits verbal and written reports to supervisors.

Performs related work as required.

AQUATIC SCIENCES ASSIGNMENT

Devises tests to demonstrate the effects of waste discharges on the ecology of the watershed; investigates water quality concerning primary productivity, nutrient dynamics and eutrophication in inland or standing waters; conducts field research and studies of habitat suitability, and threatened and endangered species; conducts field research involving monitoring techniques, mark-recapture and species health indices; conducts acute and chronic toxicity studies in freshwater, marine and sediment environments; uses geographic information systems, land surveying and collects soil samples for wetland delineation, plant identification, plant taxonomy and biological assessments; creates habitat and physical models; develops wetland restoration or creation initiatives; may generate ecological impact statements of gross pollution events requiring biological responses; gathers information on species assemblages, analyzes community health and implements conservation strategies to manage keystone populations effectively.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES ASSIGNMENT

Identifies, monitors, studies, and analyzes biological life in water, wastewater, sludge products and industrial waste; conducts microbial and bacteriological examinations; takes field samples at local and remote watershed and storm overflow sites; investigates the distribution and interrelations of aquatic organisms in rivers and at various points in water treatment processing systems; conducts chemical and biological tests to determine means of improving water quality or improving pollution control processing; conducts testing and evaluation of drinking water from source of supply, through the water treatment process, and into the distribution system.

Conducts microbiological examinations such as culture, imaging, and molecular procedures; takes field samples; analyzes and identifies biological organisms including protozoa and bacteria, plankton, periphyton, macrophyton, and macroinvertebrates; establishes test statistics and quality assurance for the above procedures; calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment; prepares reports and maintains records of tests performed; establishes test statistics and quality assurance.

Conducts investigative field studies on remediation sites or land use practices; monitors ecological, terrestrial or aquatic habitats, soil sampling practices, air or water quality or environmental policy issues; conducts water quality surveys and laboratory studies for water or wastewater monitoring, air quality monitoring, health and inspection monitoring; prepares ecological assessments and environmental impact statements.

May conduct laboratory studies relating to soil and atmospheric chemistry using a variety of laboratory bioassays and/or immunoassays.

Performs terrestrial and aquatic habitat assessments within wetland and natural stream systems utilizing established protocols and plant and animal taxonomy skills.

Performs studies to determine potential effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms and/or human health

EARTH SCIENCES ASSIGNMENT

Gathers, analyzes and interprets geologic/hydrogeologic data and maps or reports associated with the quality and quantity of groundwater, protection of public health and safety and the environment.

Conducts field studies or experiments of soil application for remedial or soil engineering purposes; applies green infrastructure practices; monitors subsurface flows of water, groundwater and pressure gradients, physical properties of subsurface media and biological attributes of soil and media; participates in the design of subsurface projects to remediate contaminated industrial sites, reclaim mine sites or construct flood protection structures; provides geologic support and analyses for department programs; studies and examines the physical aspects of fluvial processes associated with sediment transport in rivers and streams; bridges gap between physical dynamics of fluvial or tidal system and biological or environmental processes; identifies remedial techniques to manage and control erosion.

Investigates water-related problems of quantity, quality and availability; conducts investigations of pollution and hazardous materials and water supply; may conduct fine scale studies of stormwater management and systematics of green infrastructure; generates hydraulic and hydrologic models, hydrodynamic models of surface waters and infrastructure models.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT (Positions may be located in the Water Department or Department of Parks and Recreation)

Water Department

Assists in the development, prioritization and implementation of programs and projects that support and further the achievement of the City’s watershed management plans and source water protection plans; develops, plans and implements projects to sustain plant, animal, aquatic resources and human communities within watershed boundaries; works with national research agencies and universities to conduct research on new water quality and source water protection issues.

Assists with the creation and implementation of environmental monitoring programs associated with pre-and post-construction activities on stormwater management facilities to determine the efficacy and ecological performance of the system.

Creates programs and implements projects that further PWD’s mandate to educate and inform the public on the department’s wide array of environmental obligations, importance of protecting water quality via a science based curriculum, and furthers the understanding of urban watershed challenges through adult and youth education via dedicated science based programming; develops partnerships, elicits stakeholder participation, facilitates meetings and conducts community outreach.

Investigates ecological, social and economic dimensions of the environment and problems caused by human impact on the environment; develops local environmental policies and market-based economic incentives for environmental problems; participates in the regulatory compliance process and develops cost-effective compliance policies; conducts feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental policies; participates in water quality and quantity negotiations with federal and state entities and local government representatives; reviews and comments on Ecological Assessments (EA), Feasibility Studies (FS) and Remedial Investigations (RI) associated with federal and state laws pertaining to public health and the environment (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, SARA Title III).

Prepares annual reporting of water plant energy performance measures, energy project tracking and documentation, internal and external energy communications, energy budget support; develops carbon accounting models and performs energy accounting analyses; performs statistical analyses; prepares reports on departmental energy use trends; evaluates feasibility analysis for departmental sustainable and renewable energy projects and initiatives.

Department of Parks and Recreation

Assists in the development, prioritization and implementation of programs and projects to facilitate ecological integrity and improvement of park forests; develops, plans and implements projects to protect and restore forest stands, meadows, wetlands and stream corridors; executes projects based on field studies and data collection; analyzes information provided by natural land management staff and other sources.

Analyzes data to describe stand conditions and prescriptions; performs scientific studies about tree growth and health, species regeneration and forest stand structure; studies literature about forest-related insect and disease outbreaks and develops strategies to prepare for and combat outbreaks; assists with the creation and implementation of solutions to forest problems such as forest regeneration, invasive earthworm populations and soil health issues; assists in the development of scientific methods and procedures to reclaim degraded woodlands; collaborates with geospatial analysis staff to produce site and project mapping; collaborates with the Greenhouse/Nursery staff to ensure production of appropriate plant stock; collaborates with the Philadelphia Water Department to review and edit plans that are proposed for storm water management projects on the Department of Parks and Recreation property to determine impact on Parks’ natural lands.

PLANT SCIENCES ASSIGNMENT (Positions may be located in the Water Department or Department of Parks and Recreation)

Water Department

Participates in the creation and implementation of environmental monitoring systems for measuring the effects of sludge applications on soils, groundwater and crops; evaluates geological, hydrologic, soil, and vegetative characteristics of selected sites; secures crop, soil and groundwater samples for laboratory analysis of nutrients, metals and other parameters; prepares periodic reports on environmental effects of land-based sludge utilization programs for departmental review and publication.

Performs macroscopic, microscopic, serological, molecular and biological field and laboratory tests and examinations of diseased plants; performs research to support plant disease diagnostic and survey work.

Designs, plans and inspects vegetative practices in park systems and Green Stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems and develops restorative practices for rivers, streams and wetlands; participates in forest canopy management and conservation, street tree planting and other planting initiatives; develops and implements post-construction monitoring plans and inspection activities at GSI systems for purposes of system integrity, storm water management and ecosystem services.

Department of Parks and Recreation

Manages plant propagation activities at the greenhouse including Greenland Nursery and propagation areas and holding areas; collaborates with regional growers and greenhouses to collect seed and cuttings and propagate native plants for use in natural area reclamation; uses native plants appropriate for a given site; establishes populations of uncommon or absent endemic plant species where feasible.

Prepares and implements annual work plans, budgets, and reports including funding proposals for onsite natural restoration activities, research, or public education projects; implements propagation plans to produce nursery stock and seed in a timely manner; assists in evaluating effectiveness of departmental initiatives in plant sciences; conducts annual inventory of plants and equipment.

Leads interns or seasonal staff, contractors, and volunteers to implement plant and seed production efforts; engages the assistance of volunteers, Friends groups, government agencies and others to assist in achieving divisional goals for natural restoration.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· the theory and principles of environmental protection and control.

· physical and/or biological sciences.

· mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, bioassays and immunoassays if required by assignment

· mathematics, including algebra and statistics.

· management of natural resources if required by assignment

· sustainable and renewable energy management if required by work assignment

· air, water, hazardous or solid waste pollution, measurement and/or control principles

· laboratory safety practices and procedures if required by assignment

· soils and geologic formations native to the region for the Earth Sciences assignment

· physical structure, composition and processes associated with soil for the Earth Sciences assignment

· physical properties and mathematical principles associated with water-related problems for the Earth Sciences assignment

· geophysical fluid dynamics and dynamics of water systems for the Earth Sciences or Aquatic Sciences assignment

· conservation and protection practices of commercial and non-commercial fisheries for the Aquatic Sciences assignment

· stormwater management, Green Stormwater Infrastructure systems, adaptive watershed management, non-point source pollution

· federal and state laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to the area of assignment

· biological protocols and evaluation techniques

· curriculum and institutional models for science based education focusing on urban watershed issues and policies for the Environmental Resources Management assignment

· Commonwealth of PA regulations and permitting requirements regarding management, collection and propagation of threatened or endangered species for the Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· research methods used in establishing propagule collection and conservation of endangered plants for the Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· ecology and resource management of Mid-Atlantic deciduous forests for the position in the Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management assignment only

· standard silvicultural methods and practices for the position in the Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management assignment only

· invasive pest (plant/animals/insects) management and control methods for positions in the Department of Parks and Recreation assignments only

SKILL IN:

· using analytical field and/or laboratory techniques and scientific principles to evaluate data/environmental problems in an environmental protection, control, or monitoring program or project

· utilizing soil applications to optimize plant growth and persistence for the Earth Sciences assignment

· applying biological monitoring protocols and federal and state fisheries regulations for the Aquatic Sciences assignment

· utilizing specialized technical knowledge of the reproductive biology of plant species for successful propagation for positions in the Plant Sciences assignment in the Parks and Recreation Department only

· analyzing data in a spatial or relational database to monitor plant distribution and crop cycle for Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· applying quantitative and qualitative vegetation research and survey techniques for the Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· using analytical field and/or laboratory techniques and scientific principles to evaluate native and non-native woodland plants for the position in the Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Policy and Environmental Resources Management assignment only

ABILITY TO:

· perform standard tests and analyses using quality control techniques

· prepare and interpret reports detailing the results of tests and analyses

· interpret federal guidelines, regulations and standards as they apply to the area of specialization

· organize partnerships and facilitate stakeholder and community participation for the Environmental Resource Management assignment

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials, community and business groups and the general public

· express ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing

· interpret and apply state and local laws and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment

· develop and adhere to quality assurance procedures and standard analytical techniques

· propagate, cultivate and grow plant materials for the Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· design, install, and operate extensive environmental controls including irrigation, lighting, heating, and propagation structures for the Parks and Recreation Department Plant Sciences assignment only

· design and implement environmental standards to restore and protect park forests for the position in the Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management 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. *

AND

EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience performing environmental science work in the area of assignment.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which includes any bachelor’s degree as an educational minimum and the experience.

NOTE: Completion of a master’s degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field satisfies all the minimum requirements. This note does not apply to Career Advancement or In-Position Promotions.

City of Philadelphia class that Typically Meets the Experience Requirements:

Environmental Scientist 1 (3H12)

* Qualifying scientific fields (by assignment) 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: Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science, Forest 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, training and/or experience 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 appointment as an Environmental Scientist 2 if required by work assignment.

Class Established: 12/10

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 4/14

Ad. Board – 5/14

Spec Revision:

CSC – 9/15; Ad. Board – 10/15

CSC - 3/17; Ad. Board - 4/17

CSC – 4/18; Ad. Board – 5/18

Latest Spec Revision:

CSC – 9/18; Ad. Board – 10/18