Graduate Environmental Scientist

Announcement Details

Exam Announcement Details

Exam Title Graduate Environmental Scientist

Exam Number 3H11-20240624-OC-00

Salary $54,854 per year.

Certification Rule Rule of Five (5)

Competition Open-Competitive

Department

Announcement Date 06/24/2024

Close Date 07/05/2024

General Definition

The City is hiring passionate science students to join our team. No experience necessary! Your bachelor’s degree in aquatic science, plant science, environmental science, biological science or environmental policy qualifies. Recent graduates or those who will graduate by December 2024 can apply now.

We offer FREE SEPTA Transit, a diverse and inclusive environment, and we are a qualified student loan forgiveness employer.

About The Position

This is entry level environmental science work of a training nature analyzing data, assisting in solving environmental problems, and assisting in routine data collection for projects or program activities. Positions in this class are allocated to one of the following assignments in the Water Department: Aquatic Sciences, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management, or in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Plant Sciences or the Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management Assignments only. Employees in this class learn to use analytic skills to perform select environmental or natural resource science techniques, and procedures, analyze data, and carry out sampling plans. Employees assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. Work is performed under the direction of a Parks and Recreation Operations Manager in the Parks and Recreation Department assignments or an Environmental Scientist Supervisor, Engineer, or City Planner Supervisor responsible for directing environmental program activities in the Water Department assignments.

Union Code J. AFSCME D.C.47 Local 2187

FLSA Code Exempt

Application Procedures

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

• You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.
• Notification of application approval, disapproval, and testing dates will be sent within the three-week period prior to August 5, 2024. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking their email and providing any additional information requested or application status appeals within the two-week period listed in the notice.
• The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
  
  

Jacky Li

City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Phone: 215-686-2371

Fax: 215-686-0861

Email: [email protected]

• For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email [email protected] .
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Training, Education & Experience

ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY

Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within nine months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Candidates may not be hired until all requirements have been satisfied. Candidates must indicate their anticipated graduation date.

Education

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field.

Qualifying Scientific Fields Include

• Aquatic Sciences: Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology, Limnology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Wetland Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
• Biological Sciences: Bacteriology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
• Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Geosciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrology
• Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management: Forest Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science
• Plant Sciences: Botany, Forestry, Plant Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Soil Sciences
  
  

NOTE : Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 – Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education or training to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.

Physical & Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Required Licenses & Certifications

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Graduate Environmental Scientist if required by work assignment.

Other Requirements

TRANSCRIPT , LICENSES , REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration, or certification.

If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you have to submit another document

Option 1 – Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration, or certification – One time only!

You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.

Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.

Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification – Separate document required for each application

If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.

Mailing Address For Paper Transcript And Other Required Materials

Jacky Li

City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Equivalency Statement(s)

Application Details

Notes to Applicants

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer

Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.

Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

Benefits – We Care About Your Well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected] . For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Labor at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW ) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW .

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at [email protected]

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on July 5, 2024.

Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

• Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
• Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application
  
  

All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add [email protected] to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:

https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/

https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/

www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR

www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR

www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR

Www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr

ELIGIBLE LIST

OPEN - COMPETITIVE : Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY WAIVER : The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.

Preference For Philadelphia Residents

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding August 5, 2024, you are eligible to claim residency preference.

To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.

The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE – Ten points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.

LEGACY PREFERENCE – The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE – Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open Competitive Examination And Who Has

• Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA .
  
  

Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one year term of service.

• Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
  
  

Such Candidates Will Have

• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
  
  

The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE

For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.

Only those competitors who have a passing grade in all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.

• Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education ( CTE ) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
• Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced, until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
• If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
• Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.
  
  

Projected Exam Date

Training And Experience Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.

Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.

An Eligible List will be established the week of August 5, 2024. Please note that this date may change.

Test Review

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

Assigned to (view only)

Assigned to Jacky Li

Parts & Weights

Part Training & Experience Evaluation

Weight 100%