Natural Resources Scientist Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

Natural Resources Scientist Associate will perform a variety of technical tasks in support of the department’s programs and initiatives.  Review basic permit applications for compliance with ordinances and guidelines, conduct field inspections and surveys, collect environmental samples, staff departmental outreach events and programs, provide data input, data maintenance, documentation, and research support for department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SUMMARY

1. At direction of Natural Resource Scientist II, III, or Program Managers conduct basic field inspections; and collect, submit, and track environmental sampling and monitoring. 
2. Conduct sanitary surveys, water use audits, illicit discharge inspections, stormwater, and water conservation inspections, and/or well and septic system inspections. 
3. Receive and provide initial response to environmental, discharge, and waste complaints related to assigned areas and assist upper staff in formulating recommendations and corrective actions. 
4. Collect, process, store, retrieve, and assist with analysis of all forms of Natural Resource Services information and spatial data in both electronic and paper format and maintain records and documentation for inspections and investigations. 
5. Verify compliance with Natural Resource Services related county ordinances, respond to related inquiries from the public and the regulated community.
6. Assist upper staff with varied application and plan review and comments, environmental report writing, technical writing, research, and correspondence as assigned. 
7. Provide telephone support, customer service contact, fee collections, basic permit issuance, and general staffing as needed to support departmental events, programs, and initiatives. 
8. Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned including cross-departmental programs and initiatives.

* The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources, Environmental Studies, Earth or Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Archeology, Construction Management, Health & Safety Management, Forestry, Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field, and one (1) year of work experience involving any of the areas listed. Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation. 
2. Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
3. Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while employed in this position.  
4. Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
5. Transcripts of coursework must be submitted with application.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Major duties are performed 35% indoors and 65% outdoors and the employee will be exposed to extremes of heat, cold and humidity, and dust.
2. Outdoor duties may be conducted on both even and uneven surfaces, inclines, hills, ditches, paved or natural surfaces.  Work may involve hiking with heavy equipment pack, climbing, entering enclosed spaces such as well houses and spring boxes,  working on wet or dry surfaces.
3. Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment on even, carpeted, or tiled surfaces. duties may be performed on either hard or soft surfaces in a professional office environment.
4. Performs duties alone or as a member of a team or group.
5. Work hazards or potential hazards include exposure to chemicals, animals, bio-hazards, industrial and domestic waste, radiation, burns, lacerations, contusions, falls, intermittent noise, intermittent vibration, electrical and mechanical equipment, , fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation and polluted water, driving a vehicle with trailer.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1. Computers, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, measuring devices, GPS equipment, telephone, two-way radio, fax, photocopier, metal probes, shovels, wrenches, ladders, paper forms, chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
2. County vehicle and trailer is used by employee in traveling from site-to-site throughout the county.
3. Safety equipment may include hard hat, rubber boots, gloves, facemask, respirator, and first aid kit.

COUNTY OF BERNALILLO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER