Environmental Scientist

At the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), we stand by our mission to conserve and protect the quality of North Dakota's air, land, and water resources following science and the law. We are looking for a candidate who identifies with this mission and has a passion for serving the citizens in our great state as an Environmental Scientist.

Summary of Work

As an Environmental Scientist for the Air Quality Division, you will be part of a team that protects and improves the environment by analyzing industrial facilities and other air pollution sources to determine compliance with state and federal environmental rules, regulations, and policies. In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Reviewing and implementing rules and regulations related to the air quality program.
• Conducting inspections on a variety of air pollution sources.
• Drafting and processing oil and gas registrations and air pollution control permits.
• Evaluating air pollution control reports from a variety of air pollution sources.
• Monitoring stack emission tests and reviewing test reports.
• Communicating with the public, regulated community, state and federal agencies, and others regarding air pollution issues.

To succeed in this position, you must be able to interpret and apply complex environmental regulations, analyze technical data, and communicate effectively with facility operators, the public, and regulatory partners. You should be comfortable conducting inspections, reviewing reports, and using databases and spreadsheets to manage information, while enforcing rules objectively and fairly.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. DEQ will not provide sponsorships.

DEQ is attempting to fill this position at the Environmental Scientist II level but reserves the right to underfill the position as an Environmental Scientist I. (December 2025 graduates will be considered.)

To be considered for an Environmental Scientist II, you must have a bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field and one (1) year of related experience. A master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. (Hiring Salary: $5,299/month, depending on experience)

To be considered for an Environmental Scientist I, you must have a bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with emphasis in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or closely related field. (Hiring Salary: $5,047/month, depending on experience)

Experience interpreting regulations and providing guidance on policies and procedures to achieve and maintain compliance; gathering, analyzing, and interpreting scientific or technical information and data; understanding principles and concepts associated with environmental systems; technical writing; and/or working in a team-oriented atmosphere is helpful but not required.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

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Application Procedures

All application material must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.

Applicants must complete the online application for employment and upload a resume, cover letter, and college transcripts (official or unofficial). Your resume should include information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted. If the Department's Human Resource Division is unable to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications credit will not be given.

This employer participates in E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information:

For more information about the position, please contact David Stroh, Air Quality Permitting Program Manager at .... For assistance or questions regarding the application or interview process or to request a full job description, please contact Sara Leno, Human Resource Director, at ....

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact ... or ....

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.