Environmental Scientist

Job Description:

Environmental Scientist

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Environmental Scientist

Purpose:

Under limited supervision and using comprehensive knowledge, conduct and/or manage environmental protection and assessment projects and programs of diverse scope and complexity. Exercises judgment within defined methods, procedures and practices.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Perform project planning, prioritization, and tracking of technical resources
  
• Conduct site selection and study design
  
• Operate/calibrate equipment
  
• Perform chemical, biological and physical testing and classification
  
• Interpret water quality, flow and biological data
  
• Conduct training in sampling and analysis
  
• Organize and prepare reports and memos based on data evaluation
  
• Review and interpret policies, codes, regulations and ordinances
  
• Perform environmental assessments on proposed capital projects, systems, programs and development plans
  
• Assist in development of code changes and rules development
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to work outside in water, rough terrain, and inclement weather.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science or related field plus four years of relevant experience
  
• One additional year of experience may substitute for one year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four years.
  
• Master's Degree may substitute for two years of the required experience.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with water quality monitoring protocols and equipment, ideally with automated samplers or other stormwater sampling.
  
• Penchant for the calibration, programming, diagnosis, and operation of small tools, mechanical, and electronic devices.
  
• Experience with coordinating and conducting field work collecting data or samples in challenging environmental settings and conditions.
  
• Experience with research and/or analysis of environmental data and the use of statistical tools and models utilizing programming languages (e.g., R programming), particularly in one or more of the following topics: hydrology, pollutant fate & transport, baseflow & stormwater monitoring, and chemistry.
  
• Experience providing support to the management of scientific projects including aspects such as experimental design, data QA/QC, analysis/evaluation, and report preparation.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Notes to Candidate:

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:
Please learn more about our department and how we serve our community: What does the Austin Watershed Protection do?

Notes to Candidate:

The Applied Watershed Science section (AWS) integrates watershed science into the policies, practices, programs, and projects of the Austin Watershed Protection Department. Staff in this group work on a diverse set of watershed studies, including groundwater, stormwater, and baseflow water quality monitoring, as well as aquatic and riparian ecosystem studies. They also assess and develop best practices for stormwater treatment of urban runoff, and experimental design for various water quality research projects.

This position is part of a team of environmental scientists (limnologists, hydrologists, biologists, etc.) who assist in the collection of physical, chemical, and biological data from Austin's creeks, lakes, and groundwater. In particular, this position will have a strong role in the management of multiple multidisciplinary projects including the experimental design, implementation, oversight of data (entry and QA/QC), analysis, report preparation, and budget.

Other roles include the development of, and participation in, a wide range of other projects supporting project managers to implement routine monitoring and applied scientific experiments. Fieldwork may include supporting the projects managed in addition to providing field support to other projects in the Section, such as the routine surface water quality monitoring of the Environmental Integrity Index, regulatory-required monitoring (TPDES, TCEQ CRP and TMDL, etc), and a variety of applied research projects with both field and report preparation facets. Other roles include mentoring early-career team members on a wide variety of tasks, identifying and resolving gaps in Standard Operating Procedures, and providing technical guidance to inter- and intra-departmental stakeholders.

Location:

505 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas 78721

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the ability for a 60% telework schedule per week after initial training period. Exceptions may apply subject to the business needs of the department.

May require working outside of normal business hours, including emergency events, evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs.

Salary Range:

$29.89 - $ 37.37, depending on qualifications and experience.

EDUCATION:
Verification of education will be conducted on the top candidate.

ASSESSMENTS:
The candidate selected to interview is subject to pre-employment screening assessments to evaluate skill levels and competencies required for this position.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

BENEFITS:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click here for more information.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):
When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:

• Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.
  
• A resume and cover letter must be submitted with the employment application but does not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
  
• Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
  
• Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.
  

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-09-19