Staff Scientist 1 (Water)

Apply Now

Company: City of Philadelphia

Location: Philadelphia, PA 19120

Description:

Announcement Details

Exam Announcement Details

Exam Title
Staff Scientist 1 (Water)

Exam Number
3H28-20250414-28-04

Salary
$77,252 - $99,322 per year.

Certification Rule
Rule of Five (5)

Competition
Department Only Promotional

Department
28 - Water Department

Announcement Date
04/14/2025

Close Date
04/27/2025

General Definition

This is scientific laboratory analysis work serving as an expert in clinical laboratory science in the Health Department' or performing environmental science or analytical chemistry work in the Water Department serving as an expert in an environmental science or chemistry discipline for a departmental or division program. Employees in the Clinical Laboratory Science Specialty provide technical guidance, review, and may direct the work of technical personnel in analyzing data, conducting research and solving problems relating to a clinical laboratory. Employees in the Toxicology Specialty provide technical guidance, review, and may direct the work of technical personnel in analyzing data, conducting research and solving problems relating to a toxicology laboratory in the Medical Examiner's Office specializing in postmortem specimens regarding drug abuse, prescription drugs, and poisons. Employees in the Water Specialty provide technical guidance, review, and may direct the work of lower level scientists, engineers, planners and/or technical personnel in analyzing data, conducting research and solving environmental problems related to the mission of the department. Positions in the Water Specialty are located in the Planning and Environmental Services Division. Employees in the Clinical Biosafety Specialty provide technical guidance, review, quality assurance, and may direct the work of lower level scientist and technical staff in ensuring adequate safety conditions to avoid potential hazards associated with emergency management and the handling of biological and chemical materials. Employees in all specialties are responsible for theoretical and experimental scientific and technological investigation directed toward the acquisition of new knowledge, developing theories and devising methods to apply scientific principles and theories in projects related to the mission of the department. Contact with other scientists, engineers, city officials and regulatory agencies to coordinate and achieve assigned objectives is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of a program director or higher level engineer or scientist.

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.

1. 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.

2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:

Peter M McPhillips, SHRM-SCP

Hiring Services Manager

City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Tel: 215-686-2356

Fax: 215-686-2317

Email: peter.mcphillips@phila.gov

3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Training, Education & Experience

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:

Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Water Department with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.

AND

WATER SPECIALTY

2. EDUCATION:

Completion of a Master's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in a qualifying field*.

AND

3. GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Three years of experience in environmental science or analytical chemistry work analyzing data and solving environmental problems in the area of Aquatic Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resources Management or Plant Sciences.

AND

4. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience in environmental science or analytical chemistry work equivalent to Environmental Scientist Specialist or Laboratory Program Scientist with responsibility for leading scientific research projects by determining the scope, direction, and timetables for project completion and coordinating work with other scientific and technical staff in the area of assignment.

NOTE: Completion of a Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field and one additional year of experience may be substituted for the education requirement for the Water Specialty only.

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA CLASSES THAT TYPICALLY MEET THE SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

WATER SPECIALTY

Environmental Scientist Specialist (3H16)

Laboratory Program Scientist (3H18) (Chemistry Specialty Only)

* 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
Chemical Sciences: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or Materials Engineering, Environmental Science
Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Geosciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrology

Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management: Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science, Forest Science
Plant Sciences: Botany, Forestry, Plant Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Soil Sciences

WATER SPECIALTY ONLY

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, training and/or experience 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 in this class, 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:

Peter M McPhillips, SHRM-SCP

Hiring Services Manager

City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Equivalency Statement(s)

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included the Specific Experience and completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.

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 faqpchr@phila.gov. 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 accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. 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.

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 hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on April 27, 2025.

Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:
1) Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
2) 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 Phila.OHR@phila.gov 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 hrhelpdesk@phila.gov 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

DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL: Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Water Department will be established as a result of 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.

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 May 19, 2025, 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.

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 May 19, 2025. 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
Peter McPhillips

Parts & Weights

Part
Training & Experience Evaluation

Weight
90%

Part
Seniority Rating

Weight
10%

Similar Jobs