Environmental Scientist

Job DescriptionJob Description

TITLE: Environmental Scientist

EMPLOYER: RIRRC

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTS TO: Director of Engineering

EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/2025

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Environmental Compliance Manager, the environmental scientist collects water samples from raw, semi-processed, or processed water, wastewater, groundwater, surface water, or water from other sources to assess potential pollution problems. The environmental scientist also collects air, landfill gas, soil, and compost samples. Assists with completing monthly and quarterly reports for RIDEM. Schedules, installs and maintains equipment and laboratory bottles for data collection. Operates light equipment including, but not limited to pumps, vacuums, generators, etc. Performs data entry with results from analytical reports. Conducts research to identify and eliminate pollutants or hazards affecting the environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leaf and Yard Waste Compost – Responsible for monitoring RIRRC’s compost program, including monitoring of windrows, maturity testing, and collection of samples for laboratory analysis. Responsible for reporting analytical and maintaining all permits and certifications required.
• Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) —Performs sample collection of water, air, leachate and gas, capable of interpreting data, identifying trends, and recommending remedial measures as needed, to ensure compliance with existing permits.
• Turbidity, Erosion, and Sediment Monitoring—Conducts inspections and reporting of landfill facility in accordance with approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program as required by permit. Provide guidance and direction as needed for remedial repairs.
• RIPDES Monitoring Program – Oversees all aspects of the monitoring program’s sampling requirements in compliance with the Facility’s RIPDES stormwater permit; analyze data, identify action items, assist in drafting technical reports, and ensure timely submission of findings to the appropriate state agencies.
• Prepares oral briefings and documents to communicate scientific and technical information.
• Project Management – Responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating with the laboratories for bottle orders and sample results. Coordinates with vendors to efficiently and effectively meet state regulations. .
• Analyzes sources of pollution and determines effects on the environment.
• Database management – Ability to utilize access databases to enter, analyze and report collected data.
• Assist in the tracking of compliance with internal and external environmental permits.
• Assist with reviewing submitted soil analytical data to review and compare against RIRRC’s Alternative Cover Policy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) from four-year college or university, or four to six years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have excellent reading comprehension skills, to understand work-related documents.
• Experienced using multiparameter meter, peristaltic pump, VOC meter, Landtec Gas Monitor, Air Sampling Canister, Turbidimeter, etc. .
• Possess strong listening, speaking and interpersonal skills. Must be able to convey information factually and clearly to the engineering team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to recognize and identify potential problems. Logical thinking and analysis skills to detect and correct errors.
• Intermediate math skills, including decimals, fractions, performing calculations such as percentages and ratios.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

COMPETENCIES:

1. Ethics/Integrity - Reliable in carrying out instructions and performing assignments. Wiling to take on responsibilities and be accountable. Treats others with dignity and respect. Works to prevent accidents, injuries, and theft. Lives up to commitments. Is honest is all dealings.
2. Dependability/ Reliability - Sets and observes own priorities for best use of time and meets deadlines. Adequately prepares equipment and work area to perform daily tasks. Completes required inspections of equipment and reports issues timely. Observes safety rules and practices. Aware of surroundings and diligent in keeping a safe working environment. Readily reports incidents and near misses. Engages in good housekeeping practices and takes proper care of equipment and tools.
3. Productivity - Understands work methods, practices, and techniques, and is proficient. Understands tasks or projects and plans and organizes work to be more efficient. Consistently maximizes productivity without sacrificing quality. Is attentive to details of assignments and surroundings. Works independently, without the need for close supervision. Anticipates needs and seeks additional tasks as time permits.
4. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
5. Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
6. Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
7. Communication Skills - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
8. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be able to communicate with others
• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry more than 50 lbs.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.