Environmental Scientist and Waste Tires Coordinator

Environmental Scientist and Waste Tires Coordinator

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $25.27 - $52.56 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Coral Ortega | caortega@utah.gov | 801-538-4624
Application Deadline – 6/24/2026 6:00 PM MDT

The Department of Environmental Quality is looking for an Environmental Scientist for the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. This position serves as the statewide Waste Tires Coordinator, educating, approving reimbursements from Utah’s Waste Tire Recycling Fund, and managing transporter and recycler registrations. The remainder of the role focuses on environmental compliance investigations and enforcement to manage accidental or illegal dumping; building basic database queries, verifying output, and making data corrections; and collaborating with public and private parties on recycling projects.

This position may be filled at any of the advertised levels listed below. Salary depends on experience and the job level offered within the series.

Key Responsibilities

• Registers waste tire transporters and recyclers according to established standards; educates parties on Wase Tire Recycling Fund requirements; and reviews, tracks, and approves financial reimbursements from the fund for removal of tires from solid waste facilities and abandoned tire pile cleanups.
• Screens public environmental incident reports for program applicability. Conducts compliance investigations, determines responsible parties, meets with stakeholders, and establishes remediation standards and compliance schedules.
• Reviews required solid waste facility reports, ensuring completeness.
• Drafts compliance letters and orders related to environmental investigations and required facility reporting; and maintains accurate electronic records.
• Creates basic database queries and reports to meet program needs, and checks report output for quality.
• Acts as the program's recycling contact, collaborating with public and private recycling organizations, preparing limited research and reporting on recycling, and delivering educational presentations.
• Requires occasional day travel (less than 10% of the time) with very rare overnight trips (less than 5%).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex, technical environmental laws and regulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain scientific or technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Comfortable interacting with various public and private entities.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and execute work efficiently and with high integrity.
• Proficiency with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication) to accurately review and approve waste tire fund reimbursement requests.
• Has a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Engineering, Geology, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of experience in environmental regulatory compliance or solid waste management.
• Experience running basic data queries and performing quality checks on output.
• Experience in conflict resolution, with the ability to defuse tense situations and negotiate cooperative solutions with regulated parties.
• Familiarity with RCRA waste determinations (Title 40 CFR Parts 261 and 262) or Utah Administrative Code counterparts (R315-261 and R315-262).

Supplemental Information

Most of the work is performed in a professional office setting. Occasional field investigations (less than 10%) may require walking on uneven terrain at landfills or outdoor sites, enduring outdoor weather conditions, and wearing standard personal protective equipment (PPE).

Job Series
The selected candidate for this position may be brought in as an Environmental Scientist I with a salary range of $25.27- $37.95, an Environmental Scientist II with a salary range of $29.73 - $44.66 per hour, or an Environmental Scientist III with a salary range of $34.98 - $52.56 per hour.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information the Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, click here.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.