Environmental/Natural Resources Sciences and Program Management

This is a first-level professional environmental/natural resources position accountable for the application of basic scientific principles, practices, and techniques following established procedures and standards. Work involves designing basic experiments and/or surveys, performing simple statistical analyses for initial interpretation, preparing and reviewing routine summaries and technical documents to ensure regulatory compliance, identifying potential problem areas/issues, and contributing to developing solutions.   

This is a second-level professional environmental/natural resources position that requires advanced knowledge of scientific principles, practices, and techniques in one or more areas. Positions at this level are required to interpret the principles, theories, and concepts of a scientific specialty and its regulatory requirements. Work involves designing experiments and surveys, performing complex statistical analyses, preparing and reviewing technical documents to ensure regulatory compliance, identifying potential problem areas/issues, and contributing to developing solutions.

This is a seasoned professional environmental/natural resources position that requires deep technical knowledge of an area or thorough knowledge of multiple areas. Positions will be expected to broadly interpret the principles, theories, and concepts of a scientific specialty and its regulatory requirements. Employees are usually considered statewide experts in their area(s), known outside the boundaries of state government, and influence standards at the agency, state, and national level. Work involves preparing/reviewing technical documents to ensure regulatory compliance, recommending/drafting legislation and rules, and providing expert testimony when needed. At this level, employees serve as technical leadership and will develop/implement strategies and procedures for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental and natural resources data/information, designing research and forecasting models, and reviewing technical work of others.

This is a supervisory position accountable for operational oversight of scientific disciplines, comprised of professional teams and technical experts. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline.  An employee in this position will focus on the design, planning, implementation, and management of a statewide program, requiring significant multi-disciplinary coordination. At this level, employees are considered to be statewide experts in their field, performing complex assignments often requiring the development of unique solutions to environmental/natural resource problems because of the variables involved. Duties will also include preparing/reviewing technical documents to ensure regulatory compliance, sharing information and influencing issues at the national level, and writing and evaluating legislation.

This is a managerial position accountable for providing oversight of a natural resources program or programs and overseeing the work of professional employees. Work at this level is primarily focused on supervision and program implementation, requiring thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations and the ability to address program related operations issues.