Local recruitment: Environmental Scientist for Water Quality

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality

Bismarck, ND, USA 🇺🇸

  • Job ID: 3033606
  • Location: Bismarck, ND
  • Salary Range: From 5223.00 To 5484.00 Monthly
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • FLSA Status: Professional
  • Closing Date: 9/09/2026

Summary of Work

Summary of Work

The Division of Water Quality currently has an opening for an Environmental Scientist in the North Dakota Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPDES) permits program.   The primary function of the permits program is to manage and regulate discharges of wastewater to safeguard public health and environmental quality of rivers, lakes and streams in North Dakota. This position will require duties and tasks associated with administrating the regulatory program, and will perform technical evaluations of facilities, systems, operations or equipment to determine compliance with water quality protection laws, regulations and policies. 

Responsibilities of the position include:

  • Conduct record reviews, inspections, compliance sampling at a variety of municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater facilities.
  • Prepare inspection and/or technical reports and documentation;
  • Review of wastewater discharge information;
  • Statistical analysis of water quality data;
  • Discharge limitation calculation;
  • Review of permit applications for sources seeking NDPDES permits;
  • Provide technical assistance and training;
  • Respond to citizen questions and complaints

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 fill the position as an Environmental Scientist I.

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, geology, soil science, 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. Starting salary is $5484/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, geology, soil science, environmental science, or closely related field. A master’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. Starting salary is $5223/month, depending on experience.

Preferred but not required:

  • Experience in wastewater treatment, database management and data migration, stormwater, permit writing and water quality chemistry in general. 
  • Skill in implementing Pretreatment rules and regulations.
  • Skill in reviewing, analyzing and resolving environmental problems, and in gathering information and data for preparing reports.
  • Skill in analyzing large datasets through coding or statistical analysis software.
  • Ability to interpret regulations and provide guidance and assistance on policies and procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance.
  • Considerable knowledge in environmental sciences, chemistry, or related curriculum.
  • Understand the basic principles and concepts associated with environmental issues and systems.
  • Computer skills including usage of databases and spreadsheets.
  • Effective oral and written skills.

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.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applications will only be accepted online through the ND PeopleSoft System. Application materials must be received by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on the closing date. In addition to completing the online application, applicants should upload the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Three professional references

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.


The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) participates in E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: DEQ Job Openings


Applicants who experience technical difficulties during the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701) 328-3290. 


For assistance or questions regarding the application or interview process, please contact Casey Goodhouse, Human Resource Director at cjgoodhouse@nd.gov  or (800) 366-6888 (TTY Relay North Dakota).

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.

7 days remaining

Apply by 9 September, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development