Lead Environmental Research Scientist

2 months ago

Chicago, Illinois, United States Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Full time

Overview

Under general supervision, the role involves executing or overseeing applied research initiatives of diverse scope concerning wastewater treatment methodologies and managing environmental monitoring efforts.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are essential to this position. While the specifics may vary, the incumbent may perform one or more of the duties listed or other related tasks.

  • Conducts advanced research projects focusing on innovative technologies pertaining to wastewater, sludge management, biosolids handling, and enhancements in water quality across disciplines such as environmental chemistry, wastewater microbiology, soil science, environmental engineering, and aquatic ecology.
  • Leads programs/projects as a team head, oversees technical personnel, formulates work plans, and provides guidance on the appropriate execution of studies.
  • Manages environmental monitoring tasks associated with the organization's operations, including biosolids, aquatic ecology, surface water and groundwater quality, and wastewater microbiology.
  • Drafts interim and final reports on research endeavors and monitoring initiatives, along with technical manuscripts for publication; compiles comprehensive technical documentation.
  • Evaluates and prepares feedback on technical documents from various departments or regulatory bodies; aids in crafting position papers relevant to organizational activities.
  • Collaborates with Maintenance and Operations to address facility challenges such as sludge dewatering, odor control, and operational disruptions.
  • Reviews designs and specifications prepared by the Engineering Department; works with Analytical Laboratories and Industrial Waste Sections to resolve issues related to water reclamation facilities.
  • Assigns, supervises, and assesses work; ensures compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; conducts performance evaluations; addresses employee concerns and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfers, suspensions, promotions, or terminations.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Prepares or participates in seminars and presentations related to research projects.
  • Handles administrative tasks such as coordinating weekly progress reports, work plans, time sheets, purchasing, reimbursements, and assisting with budget preparation.
  • Oversees field and laboratory environmental operations.
  • Supervises laboratories, NPDES permit-required toxicity assessments, bacterial and virological testing, biological collections and analyses, as well as soil and plant evaluations.
  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other public agencies and the community.
  • Coordinates the review of monitoring reports mandated by regulatory authorities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This position may involve exposure to various chemical and biological substances, some of which may be hazardous or toxic. There may also be exposure to fumes and unpleasant odors.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • In-depth knowledge of principles, practices, procedures, and relevant environmental regulations in at least one of the following areas: Analytical microbiology, molecular microbiology, virology, and bioassay; Aquatic biology, biological indices related to environmental disturbances, water and sediment quality monitoring, and freshwater aquatic ecology; Environmental engineering, wastewater treatment, and biosolids management; and/or Soil science and agronomy, biosolids land application, and groundwater monitoring.
  • Extensive knowledge of project and program management.
  • Strong understanding of methodologies for planning and executing applied research and environmental monitoring projects.
  • Considerable knowledge of statistical methods utilized in project planning and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with organizational Administrative Procedures and other policies.
  • Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of professional, technical, and support staff engaged in research and related activities.
  • Capability to manage and coordinate technical and scientific tasks effectively.
  • Proven ability to consistently deliver quality project outcomes within deadlines.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in water resources sciences, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, microbiology, bacteriology, biology, soil science, or agronomy from an accredited institution. A minimum of ten years of experience in wastewater and sludge treatment technologies, biosolids management, analytical microbiology, or water quality monitoring, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity.

Substitution

Additional graduate study beyond the master's degree may be substituted for the required non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis.

Promotional Requirements

  • Two years of service with the organization as a Senior Environmental Research Scientist, Senior Environmental Soil Scientist, Senior Environmental Microbiologist, or Senior Aquatic Biologist.
  • Civil service status in one of the aforementioned classifications.

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