Environmental Scientist I

Is the entry-level position in a four-level classification series, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological, or physical science, and working under close supervision to support environmental protection and compliance activities.

Role & Responsibilities

At this level, the Environmental Scientist I:

Supports technical oversight for environmental, mining, natural resources, and energy evaluations for the public, businesses, and agencies.
Conducts routine inspections to check compliance with state and federal environmental laws, documenting findings in databases.
Investigates environmental complaints and issues non-compliance citations when necessary.
Performs simple studies and monitoring — collecting, evaluating, and interpreting samples, surveys, and related data.
Participates in environmental research — evaluating prior studies, measuring natural phenomena (e.g., wetlands, streams, geologic materials), and assessing potential impacts of development.
Assists in preparing reports, maps, and regulatory documents for technical staff, officials, and the public.
Uses computer software for data analysis, calculations, and record-keeping.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a natural, biological, or physical science, or a degree with at least 20 semester hours in such a field.
Experience: None required; related experience in natural resources, environmental control, or engineering may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Skills & Competencies

Knowledge of environmental monitoring approaches and regulations.
Technical writing and data analysis skills.
Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and technical maps.
Communication skills (oral and written) for reporting and collaboration.
Basic statistical analysis and research skills.

Work Environment

Supervision: Close supervision; increasing technical independence as the employee gains experience.
Settings: Fieldwork, office-based research, and regulatory compliance activities.
Probationary period: 6 months for initial and promotional periods.

In summary: Environmental Scientist I is a foundational role where the employee learns to apply environmental science principles to practical problems, supporting compliance, monitoring, and basic research under direct supervision, with the potential to grow into higher-level positions in the classification series.

Companies That Hire With This Skill

EDGEWATER TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES – WORKING WITH EDGEWATER TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES
Founded in 2003, Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC (Edgewater) is a New Mexico-based small business headquartered in Los Alamos, NM, with five (5) regional offices across the United States to locally support their growing presence at project sites. Edgewater has a proven track record and is a trusted provider of fixed-price construction projects, engineering, and technical services for the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), National Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, and private sector commercial contractors involved in nuclear, high-hazard, or complex operations. Edgewater’s experience and guidance ensure that its customers perform hazardous operations, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.

Originally founded to support the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Edgewater now supports customers across the U.S. and Canada. Edgewater has five offices, with corporate headquarters in Los Alamos, NM and regional offices in Carlsbad, NM; Oak Ridge, TN; Aiken, SC; and Richland, WA.

Edgewater is committed to recruiting and maintaining a staff of highly skilled professionals to support our customers. In keeping with this objective, we offer highly competitive salaries and employee benefit packages structured to best suit your needs. We offer multiple individual and family benefit options including paid time off, medical, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, and a pre- and post-tax 401 (k) retirement account with Company matching contributions and 100% vesting for eligible participants beginning DAY 1.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Edgewater is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veterans, or individuals with disabilities in accordance with EO 14173.