Title: SWRO - W0697 - Water Quality Monitoring/Watershed Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $20.03

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Regional Office is seeking a qualified candidate to provide field, lab, and office assistance. This seasonal wage position is focused on technical tasks related to environmental science and the monitoring and evaluation of Virginia’s waters.

This wage position provides an opportunity to gain experience working in a challenging and rewarding position that provides real work experience in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines and in a variety of geographic areas. Staff in these positions work directly with other scientific professionals and environmental managers to create a work experience that contributes to their scientific studies, potential career goals, and developmental needs, and provides an opportunity to network with DEQ professionals.

Duties may include one or a combination of the following duties:

• Collecting ambient water and biological samples.
• Using water monitoring sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation (field and lab).
• Processing water and biological samples.
• Reviewing and summarizing scientific data.
• Assisting with scientific field visits and inspections.
• Assisting in the generation of scientific reports.
• Handling and identifying live aquatic organisms
• Managing databases and digital mapping.
• Collecting and identifying fish.
• Assisting with general office, laboratory, and field tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of coursework in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology or related science or field.
• Knowledge of environmental field sampling, field safety and general laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of general laboratory analytical procedures/protocols.
• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and GIS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written directions with precision and accuracy.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and to work outside in summer heat or other adverse weather conditions. Ability to walk over difficult terrain (e.g. mountainous areas, uneven flowing stream bottoms). Working on boats may be required for some positions.
• Ability to work in the field collecting fish samples.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Additional Considerations

• A valid boater operator certification may be required

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Please Read Carefully:

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Brittany Saleeby

Phone: 804-659-2676

Email: HROCommunications@deq.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.