Soil Scientist - Quakertown

COUNTY OF BUCKS

JOB TITLE:

Soil Scientist

JOB CODE:

0807

DEPARTMENT:

Health Department

UNION:

46

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

GRADE:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Professional soil science work in the field of environmental protection. Work includes analyzing findings of site investigations to technically determine suitability of a site for waste disposal and writing technical reports to substantiate approval or denial of a site. Assignments normally require the interpretation and application of well-established criteria and guidelines. Freedom to act is normally limited to completing assignments within the bounds of these criteria and guidelines and for making technical recommendations where applicable. Supervision is received from higher-level environmental administration and supervisors who provide general instructions and assistance on new work and unique situations. Technical assistance and direction may be provided to other environmental employees. Work is reviewed annually for compliance with instructions, guidelines and for adequacy of results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accompanies a Sewage Enforcement Officer on field investigations to evaluate and conduct soil testing investigations; prepares technical reports of findings with recommendations when necessary.

Reviews supporting data for alternate and experimental onlot sewage permit applications

Reviews sewage facility planning modules and individual sewage disposal septic systems applications; prepares reports.

Examines characteristics of soils that affect permeability, filtering, compaction, and overall site suitability for on-site sewage disposal.

Conducts training classes for technical environmental health division personnel in the fundamental relationship of soils science to their particular field.

Recommends remedial action for situations that violate environmental health laws and regulations in order to control or eliminate hazards.

Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A person who is a professional member of the Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists (PAPSS) or Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) or is certified as a sewage enforcement officer who has 2 years' experience in the characterization, classification, mapping, and interpretation of soils as they relate to the function of onlot sewage disposal systems and must have a Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university.

Considerable knowledge of soil characteristics and principles of soils morphology, soil erosion, mineralogy, and methods of soils analyses.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques used in conducting physical and chemical analyses of soils.

Knowledge of earth's strata with particular emphasis on native Pennsylvania soils, their types, composition, and structure.

Knowledge of geology, geomorphology, and statistical methods.

Ability to conduct soils investigations and studies.

Ability to read and interpret soils maps.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government, professional and non-professional groups, and the general public.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written, and graphic form.

Sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and/or under adverse environmental conditions and the availability to travel throughout the county as required.

Knowledge of the local, State, and Federal laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to onlot sewage disposal systems.

Ability to gather and interpret data, conduct technical inspections and surveys and exercise sound judgment in arriving at technical recommendations

Must possess a valid driver's license and an automobile.

Position:

Soil Scientist

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands: (Check all that apply)

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Pushing

X

Climbing

X

Crouching

X

Pulling

X

Crawling

X

Kneeling

X

Handling

X

Standing

X

Sitting

X

Talking

X

Turning

X

Reaching

X

Hearing

X

Seeing

X

Color Vision

X

Depth Perception

X

Mobility

X

Lifting: (Check one)

Carrying: (Check one)

Sedentary

(0-10 lbs)

Sedentary

(

X

Light

(0-20 lbs)

X

Light

(0-10 lbs)

Medium

(0-50 lbs)

Medium

(0-25 lbs)

Heavy

(0- 100 lbs)

Heavy

(0- 50 lbs)

Very Heavy

(over 100 lbs)

Very Heavy

(over 50 lbs)

Aptitudes: (Check all that apply)

Form perception

X

Problem solving

X

Motor coordination

X

Working speed (ex.wpm)

X

Finger dexterity

X

Manual dexterity

X

Computer/VDT ability

X

General learning ability

X

Clerical perception

X

Environmental Conditions: (Check all that apply)

Extreme cold

x

Extreme heat

x

Temperature changes

X

Wet conditions

x

Humid conditions

X

Exposure to fumes

x

Exposure to blood and body fluids

X

Noise and vibration

X

Exposure to chemicals

x

Poor ventilation

Inclement weather conditions;

Inside/outside weather conditions

x

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.