What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Scientist position at Environmental Quality?
At the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), we stand by our mission to conserve and protect the quality of North Dakota’s air, land, and water resources following science and the law. We are looking for a candidate who identifies with this mission and has a passion for serving the citizens in our great state as the Environmental Scientist.
Summary of Work
As an Environmental Scientist for the Hazardous Waste Program in the Waste Management Division, you will play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment by ensuring compliance with state and federal hazardous waste regulations across North Dakota.
In this role, you will:
- Conduct compliance inspections of hazardous waste generators, permitted transporters, treatment facilities, and disposal facilities (approximately 11-12 inspections annually), and prepare detailed inspection reports.
- Provide compliance assistance and technical support to hazardous waste operators and used oil facilities, helping them understand and meet their regulatory obligations.
- Serve as a liaison with U.S. Air Force bases in North Dakota by reviewing and commenting on environmental remediation work plans, monitoring reports, and corrective action documents.
- Respond to environmental incidents involving the release or potential release of hazardous waste or used oil in your assigned region.
- Support the Brownfields Program by reviewing environmental site assessments, remediation work plans, and conducting site visits to assess contaminated properties.
- Manage program data and documentation by entering and reviewing information in RCRAInfo and other databases and maintaining electronic document systems.
To succeed in this position, you should have strong knowledge of hazardous waste regulations, excellent written communication skills for preparing technical reports, and the ability to conduct thorough field inspections. You should be comfortable working independently, possess strong organizational skills, and be able to build effective working relationships with facility operators and federal partners.
Travel within North Dakota, including overnight stays, is required. Overnight travel typically accounts for up to 15% of work hours overall but may extend to as much as 30% during peak inspection season.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. DEQ will not provide sponsorships.
DEQ is attempting to fill this position at the Environmental Scientist II level but reserves the right to underfill the position as an Environmental Scientist I. (December 2025 graduates will be considered.)
To be considered for an Environmental Scientist II, you must have a bachelor’s degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field and one (1) year of related experience. A master’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. Starting salary is $5,300/month, depending on experience.
To be considered for an Environmental Scientist I, you must have a bachelor’s degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field. Starting salary is $5,047/month, depending on experience.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
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Application Procedures
All application material must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.
Applicants must complete the online application for employment and upload a resume, cover letter, and college transcripts (official or unofficial). Your resume should include information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted. If the Department’s Human Resource Division is unable to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications credit will not be given.
This employer participates in E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: https://deq.nd.gov/jobs/
For more information about the position, contact Robin Beyer, Hazardous Waste Program Manager at rbeyer@nd.gov or (701) 328-5149. For assistance or questions regarding the application or interview process or to request a full job description, please contact Casey Goodhouse, Human Resource Director, at cjgoodhouse@nd.gov or (701) 328-7165.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701)328-3290.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Salary : $5,047 - $5,300