12/06/1995 34541

DIRECTOR, ADVANCED SCIENCE AND RESEARCH TEAM, DEP

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the activities of the Advanced Science and Research Team in the Department of Environmental Protection. The Advanced Science and Research Team is responsible for ensuring that the Department uses the best available scientific knowledge and technical information in its decision making and program development.

The employee in this class directs the activities of a multi-disciplined and expert-level professional staff engaged in a variety of duties involving the identification, analysis, assessment, prevention or abatement of environmental and public health hazards. Work involves assessing, on an ongoing basis, the Department s needs for scientific and technical expertise and resources; ensuring the completion of technical assistance requests and long-term research projects assigned to the team or individual team members; and coordinating team activities with the scientific and technical resources in professional organizations and other state and federal agencies. An important aspect of the work is serving as the principal science advisor to the agency s executive staff and as an advocate for the use of sound scientific reasoning in the development of environmental policy. Work is assigned in the form of broad goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, and program priorities. Work is reviewed upon completion by the Deputy Secretary for Air, Recycling and Radiation Protection through reports and conferences for attainment of goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the activities of the Advanced Science and Research Team by planning and organizing work, assigning projects, determining priorities, setting individual and team objectives, and reviewing work performance.

Directs the development and conduct of scientific research projects and the application of specific scientific methods or techniques to agency programs, such as multi-media toxics management, risk assessment and risk management guidelines, health-based and ecology-based cleanup standards, and new technology assessments.

Directs the evaluation and development of computer modeling techniques and advanced statistical guidance for environmental sampling, monitoring and remediation.

Directs the review of risk assessments in difficult or controversial cases.

Directs the development and conduct of advanced technical training courses and seminars for agency staff.

Directs the annual publication and public distribution of a report describing and analyzing Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data from Pennsylvania facilities.

Participates in the development and review of environmental regulations.

Provides professional and technical support to program managers and legal staff on enforcement activities.

Reviews proposed legislation for possible impacts on the program and recommends whether the Department should support or oppose the legislation.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Department of Environmental Protection s and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the agency s environmental protection programs.

Knowledge of the basic principles, methods and techniques utilized in the fields of biology, chemistry, geology, toxicology, risk assessment/risk management, statistics, environmental economics, and other areas of expertise required by the Advanced Science and Research Team or elsewhere within the Department.

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

Knowledge of the current issues, developments and trends in the field of environmental protection and regulation.

Skill in the supervision of employees.

Skill in the application of project management methods and techniques.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to read and interpret Commonwealth and Departmental administrative rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to learn the applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Ability to coordinate the work activities of the team with agency programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, public officials, special interest groups, professional organizations, academia, consultants, and the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Doctorate degree in biology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental statistics, environmental engineering, or a related environmental field, and five years as a supervisor of professional and scientific staff;

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Any equivalent combination of education and experience which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.