JOB TITLE: SOIL SCIENTIST

JOB CODE: 14820

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Soil Scientist job series describes professional soil evaluation work for regulatory compliance programs in the Department of Environmental Protection regional offices.

DEFINITION: This is professional soil science work testing, identifying, and classifying soil samples to ensure compliance with clean water, waste management, biosolids management, and environmental cleanup laws and regulations.

An employee in this job independently conducts soil characterization, testing, mapping, and suitability evaluations in an assigned program area. Work involves conducting investigations and soil surveys to determine sewage, solid waste disposal, or remediation site suitability; detecting and evaluating erosion and siltation hazards to reduce land and stream disturbances; inspecting waste treatment facilities for soil and drainage characteristics; conducting soil nutrient reviews for biosolid use; identifying soil contamination levels; or developing remediation procedures. Work includes preparing investigative and inspection reports; preparing responses to permit applications, general inquiries, and complaints; providing technical support and guidance to permitting staff and other stakeholders, such as municipalities and treatment facilities; testifying as an expert witness in court proceedings related to regulation violations or legal disputes; and conducting training for stakeholders, such as municipalities, treatment facilities, and the public. Work is performed independently under the general direction of a technical supervisor who reviews results upon completion for adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Conducts soil characterization, testing, mapping, and suitability evaluations related to on-site permit applications, renewals, and compliance reviews; hazardous spills or contamination incidents; waste disposal treatment facility proposals; and erosion and sediment control efforts.

• Conducts inspections of permitted facilities, such as wastewater treatment and hazardous waste disposal facilities, to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

• Testifies as an expert witness in court proceedings related to regulation violations and legal disputes, such as proposed waste disposal site location disagreements.

• Provides technical guidance to permitting staff and stakeholders regarding soil inspection, investigation, testing results, and environmental impacts to soil.

• Prepares technical reports detailing soil analysis findings and conclusions.

• Provides consultation regarding complaints of groundwater pollution emanating from solid and liquid waste disposal sites and recommends remedial procedures.

• Contacts government, community, and professional groups to determine facility and landfill sites and to resolve problems related to construction of these sites.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 2

• Leads and conducts training for stakeholders, such as environmental health personnel, conservation districts, local governments, farmers, and sewage plant treatment operators regarding applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines.

• Prepares responses to permit applicants, technical consultants, complainants, and the public.

• Maintains work tracking databases related to assigned area.

• Travels to field worksites to conduct inspections and investigations. • Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the practices and principles of soil evaluation and analysis.

• Knowledge of soil classification types.

• Knowledge of geology, geomorphology, and statistical methods for understanding and interpreting soil processes in natural earth systems.

• Knowledge of environmental hazards affecting soil and water quality.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to conduct soil investigations and studies.

• Ability to plan and conduct applied research projects, investigations, and studies.

• Ability to read and interpret soil maps and graphics.

• Ability to read and interpret written material, including laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.)

• One year of experience as a Soil Scientist Trainee (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of professional experience in soil testing, identification, classification, suitability, or remediation work; and a bachelor's degree in environmental resource management, environmental science, environmental studies, earth science,

agricultural science, or a closely related field, that includes 15 college credits in soil science;

or

• Four years and six months of technical experience in soil testing, identification, classification, suitability, or remediation work that includes one year of experience in a professional capacity; and 15 college credits in soil science;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 15 college credits in soil science.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.