09/01/1990 34540

SPECIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES TEAM MEMBER

DEFINITION: This is highly advanced professional work in one of several specialized fields of science and technology in the Department of Environmental Resources.

An employee in this class serves as a member of the DER Special Science and Technology Resources Team and is responsible for providing expert-level advice and guidance relating to the identification, analysis, assessment, prevention, or abatement of environmental and public health hazards resulting from the release of hazardous substances or contaminants into the environment. Employees in this class are recognized as agency or discipline experts in one of several specialized fields of science and technology, including toxicology, hydrogeology, chemistry, biology, soils science, biochemistry, environmental engineering, epidemiology, risk assessment, environmental health, or other environmental science. Work involves evaluating the health effects of exposures, cleanup decisions, and regulatory and policy decisions. Work includes reviewing consultants' contracts, reports, and feasibility studies; providing scientific analyses or studies to support rulemaking activities of the department; and serving as an expert witness in department litigation. Projects are characterized by having high impact on overall agency programs and activities, and typically cut across established program areas. Employees in this class are provided with no technical guidance and are required to resolve problems of unusual complexity independently.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Designs experiments for environmental monitoring by developing sampling methodology, selecting sampling parameters, directing the collection of data, analyzing and interpreting laboratory results, and preparing reports of findings and conclusions for public.

Develops advanced modeling capabilities for risk assessment, including environmental fate and transport modeling.

Reviews technical reports prepared by outside consultants to determine the adequacy of site characterizations, sampling techniques, exposure assessments, and remediation strategies.

Investigates environmental accidents to determine the extent of long-term environmental damage and health effects, including the collection of evidence to support claims of environmental damage.

Provides training to regional DER personnel in responding to incidents of environmental contamination.

Develops, evaluates, and determines the appropriate application of alternative disposal technologies such as biological remediation, incineration, and recycling.

Participates in the establishment of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures designed to prevent or mitigate environmental degradation.

Develops educational materials for the general public, including site-specific bibliographies which describes the toxic effects of agents found at particular sites, their potential interactions, and potential effects on humans and wildlife.

Provides expertise in advanced statistical techniques to various program areas as needed.

Represents the Department in meetings with federal officials, other Commonwealth agencies, consultants, community groups, and professional organizations.

Provides expert testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.

Performs other duties of similar scope and complexity as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the theory, principles, methods, techniques, and current developments in any one of hydrogeology, chemistry, biology, soils science, biochemistry, environmental engineering, epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, atmospheric science, or any other specialty area required by the Department of Environmental Resources.

Knowledge of the sources of information and research materials available in the various specialty areas.

Knowledge of the proper application of advanced theories and methods to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific data and statistics.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in the investigation and cleanup of environmental hazards.

Skill in expressing ideas clearly and concisely to a wide variety of audiences in oral, written, and graphic form.

Ability to analyze proposed legislation, policies, rules, and regulations to ensure their consistency with existing federal and state mandates and to evaluate their impact on Department programs.

Ability to plan and develop rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for identifying, monitoring, and reacting to toxic environmental hazards.

Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory reports and findings.

Ability to research, develop, and implement new, improved, or innovative analytical methods and techniques related to the prevention or abatement of environmental hazards.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, professional groups, consultants, government officials, and the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Doctorate degree in one of several fields of science and technology, including but not limited to toxicology, hydrogeology, chemistry, biology, soils science, biochemistry, environmental engineering, epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, atmospheric science, earth/environmental science, life science, or any other specialty area required by the Department of Environmental Resources.