Environmental Scientist

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Required Education and Experience:

The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor’s degree in physical or natural sciences, environmental engineering, or a related field.

This position requires four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental impact assessment including project scope development, soil and groundwater sampling experience, reclamation work, report preparation, contract management, consultant oversight, environmental compliance management, technical research or other related relevant experience. Transportation related experience is preferred.

Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include\:

•        40-hour OSHA 1920.120 – Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response and 8-hour annual update courses required to maintain certification.

 

Preferred but not required\:

 

•        24-hour Asbestos Inspector Training and 8-hour annual update course (will provide on the job training)


•        Fundamentals of Highway Traffic Noise (will provide on the job training)

 Alternative qualifications include\: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge: 

•        Environmental site investigation procedures and environmental sampling


•        Underground storage tank (UST) technology and regulations


•        Environmental laboratory analytical methods


•        UST systems and aboveground storage tank (ASTs) compliance regulations


•        Soil and groundwater treatment technologies


•        Hazardous materials detection and identification


•        Transportation management


•        Use of environmental sampling, monitoring, and field detection equipment.

Skills: 

•         Ability to use personal computers and a variety of software applications for preparing technical reports, tables, graphs and maps


•        Specialized testing and analytical equipment.


•        Communicating technical complex, abstract, controversial, and emotional information and decisions to a variety of audiences, negotiating with designers, contractors, and consultants.

Abilities: 

•        Work collaboratively and independently to effectively manage multiple tasks


•        Negotiate with others to benefit the project as well as preserving and/or improving long-term relationships


•        Establish project priorities and organize work while coordinating many projects/tasks simultaneously

 

Required Application Materials: 

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.


•        A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

 

Your online application and all required additional materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”  

 

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below. 

 

Other Information 

 

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.  

 

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054. 

 

This position belongs to the MFPE bargaining unit. The successful candidate will receive more information about the union and the option to join the union during the onboarding process. MDT MFPE bargaining unit members will have preference.

 

Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

Position Title: Environmental Scientist

 

Description: 

 

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting for an Environmental Scientist position in the Remediation & Assessment Section of the Environmental Services Bureau. This position serves as the Department’s technical authority in solid and hazardous waste management, analysis and remediation, and regulatory compliance related to all preconstruction, construction and maintenance projects as well as managing environmental compliance-related issues for MDT maintenance facilities.  The position is responsible for developing, planning and implementing technical research, initial site assessments, intrusive site investigations, remediation of solid and hazardous waste, administration of contracted services, technical assistance and training, and performing a variety of other complex and technical duties.   This position also provides oversight and management of the performance of contractors and consultants who perform a wide variety of tasks for the Department, including solid & hazardous waste assessment and remediation, groundwater quality testing and monitoring, traffic noise evaluations and which include a review of reports for a variety of the work assignments. 

For full job descriptions, please contact Sarah Peterson at sjpeterson@mt.gov 

Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.

Benefits of working for the Montana Department of Transportation and the State of Montana include: 

·        Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance 

·        Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

·        Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

o   Benefits apply on first day of employment 

o   Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families 

·        State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation) 

·        Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays 

·        Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness  

·        Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer.

 

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website\: https\://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values