
Water Quality Scientist 3
Idaho Division of Human Resources
Boise, ID · HybridJob$32–34.5/hrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today
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Job overview
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is hiring a Water Quality Scientist 3 for work based in one of its regional offices. The role supports surface water programs, nonpoint source grant reporting, and hazardous waste remediation through scientific analysis, data quality assurance, modeling, database work, and technical reporting. The position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting, subject to policy and successful completion of probation.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
State of Idaho Opportunity
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM Mountain Time on the posting end date.
This agency currently does not sponsor employment visas. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.
Important Guidelines: Applicant resumes must demonstrate how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.
Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.
The Department of Environmental Quality may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.
State of Idaho Employees: When searching for a new career within the state, browse and apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State External Career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new job. Internal candidates should always use Luma Opportunities.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting in accordance with the Statewide Telecommuting Policy (https://dhr.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/TelecommutingResources/Section7\_Telecommuting\_Policy.pdf) . Telecommuting may be subject to successful completion of probation.
Position:
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Water Quality Scientist 3 based in any one of DEQs regional offices: Regional Offices - Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (https://www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices/)
Salary Range: $32.00 - $34.50
Responsibilities:
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Surface Water Program:
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Help DEQ State Office and regional office staff develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), watershed management plans, and data quality assurance.
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Analyze pollutant fate and transport from both point and nonpoint sources (NPS), quantifying pollutant load reductions that will achieve water quality goals
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Manage DEQ databases and bring data from Microsoft Excel and Access into the centralized DataSight database, ensuring data quality objectives are met.
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Map data and conduct spatial data analysis with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
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Use rapid response tools such as the United States Geological Survey time of travel application.
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Use rainfall/runoff models (e.g., Load Reduction Modeling, Surface Irrigation Soil Loss, and United State Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Loads).
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Identify point source impacts on surface water with mixing zone models.
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Use calibrated hydrodynamic water quality models such as CE-QUAL-W2 and QUAL2Kw.
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Work autonomously on several concurrently ongoing projects.
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Grant Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS):
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Support the nonpoint source program by assisting grant applicants with load reduction calculations; updating and maintaining the online database, the Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS); and providing queries of the GRTS data with Oracle database tools to provide information for TMDL implementation.
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Run error reports, correct data, and complete EPA audit calibrations for deadline driven Idaho NPS Substantial Compliance reporting.
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Hazardous Waste and Remediation Support:
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Conduct environmental data analysis and data quality assurance to support the Hazardous Waste and Remediation Division.
Minimum Qualifications:
Good knowledge of physical or biological scientific principles, methodologies, and applications:
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Typically gained by:
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Possession of a Bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences or related field and an additional four (4) years of related work experience,
OR
- Equivalent years of experience where two (2) years of applicable experience can substitute for one (1) year of college, and an additional four (4) years of related work experience,
OR
- Possession of a Master's degree in the sciences and an additional two (2) years of related work experience,
OR
- Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy in the sciences or related field,
OR
- Any other equivalent combination of education and work experience as described above.
Education and experience should include scientific assessment, environmental protection and pollution control techniques, such as designing, reviewing, or implementing scientific projects, investigations remediation projects, monitoring projects; OR; Organizing and interpreting laboratory and field data; performing activities associated with pollution prevention and mitigation; and recommending and overseeing the completion of remedial actions.
Required Spe cialty Minimum Qualification
DEQ 3133 Surface Water
Have a good knowledge of Surface Water. Typically met by at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in surface water quality such as reviewing, designing or implementing monitoring projects and quality assurance project plans; watershed, riparian area, aquatic habitat, water quality or environmental assessments, pollutant sources assessments, including municipal, industrial and storm water point sources and non-point source activities, such as forestry, mining, agriculture and grazing.
DEQ 3136 Scientific/Technical Report Preparation and Presentation
At least four (4) years of experience preparing scientific or technical reports and at least two (2) years of experience presenting scientific, technical, or regulatory information to students, the general public, local governments, and professional organizations.
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
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Ability to sit and work on a computer for 2-4 hours at a time.
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Ability to bend and reach for filing purposes.
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Some periods of heavy reading and typing are required.
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Ability to lift 30 pounds when working with file boxes.
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Some travel may be required.
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Must have a valid driver's license.
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Ability to climb ladders, staircases, work on uneven terrain.
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Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds over rough terrain.
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Ability to work in adverse or inclement weather.
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Ability to work in extreme hot or cold temperatures both outside and inside.
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Ability to work on elevated instrument platforms, ladders, etc.
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Field sites may involve working near and with drilling rigs, backhoes, trucks and other large equipment in rough terrain.
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Must be able to swim and perform field monitoring work without on-site assistance or supervision
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Occasional travel required.
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May work in the vicinity of loud noise.
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May be required to travel and stay overnight in remote areas
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May come into contact with hazardous waste/materials.
Optional Licensure or Certifications:
Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI)
Professional Engineer (PE)
Professional Geologist (PG)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Benefits:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://statecareers.idaho.gov/pages/benefits
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
About the Agency:
To learn more about the agency this position will support, please visit: About Us - Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/)
To protect human health and the quality of
Idaho's air, land, and water.
If you have questions, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (208) 373-0333
How this job compares
Set against the 784 open Environmental Scientist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 6, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$32–34.5/hr
- US median$26–35/hr72 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $33.25/hr, is 9% above the US median midpoint ($31/hr) — in the middle half of Environmental Scientist hourly ranges across the US.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 14 open Environmental Scientist jobs in Idaho and 784 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 4 years of experience; Environmental Scientist postings that state a minimum ask for 7 years at the median (659 postings).
- Education
- 325 of the 784 open Environmental Scientist jobs (41%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 6, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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