Environmental/Natural Resources Sciences and Program Management

Description

Jobs in this family supervise the activities and projects in one or more of the environmental or physical sciences and plan, coordinate, supervise, and manage environmental or natural resource programs and projects. Jobs are focused on the protection of Missouri’s environment and natural resources and preparing technical documents.

Typical functions

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

  • Conduct field investigations and collect data.
  • Prepare/review technical documents.
  • Perform statistical analyses.
  • Identify problem areas and issues concerning the quality of the state’s natural resources.
  • Contribute to developing solutions.

The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from basic design of experiments and surveys to specialized program management.

Environmental Program Assistant

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.   

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of investigation, analysis, research, and statistical methods/techniques and procedures. Knowledge of environmental monitoring equipment usage and operation. Ability to evaluate data. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and/or apply laws, regulations, policies, guidance procedures, maps, plans, and reports. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 0-1 year of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G8

Environmental Program Analyst

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.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous level:  Knowledge of current environmental issues, and federal and state laws. Ability to conduct inspections/investigations related to environmental/natural resource issues and prepare corresponding reports.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G9

Environmental Program Specialist

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.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Ability to apply relevant statistical methods to the interpretation and utilization of gathered data. Ability to discern when legal assistance is required in conducting inspections and investigations.  

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G11

Environmental Program Supervisor

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.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified at the previous level: Skill in the interpretation of legislative/regulatory processes and applicable laws and rules. Ability to recommend budget items and work within budget constraints. Ability to direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of others. Ability to manage multiple work activities.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G12

Environmental Program Manager

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.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Skill in understanding internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Ability to oversee projects from inception to completion within specified timeframes and budgetary restraints. 

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 6 or more years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G14