Environmental Scientist

Responsibilities

*This is for an upcoming future opportunity. This position is part of a proposal effort and is contingent upon contract award. This will be based out of Bethesda, MD.

The Scientist (UNDS) provides scientific research, biological analysis, and technical support to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCDD) in the area of Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) program execution. This role applies biological science expertise to support the Navy's compliance with 40 CFR 1700 and related state, federal, and international wastewater management policies affecting Navy vessels and operations.

This position applies scientific methodology, including biological sampling, toxicity testing, bioassay methods, and EPA-approved test methods (40 CFR 136), to discharge characterization, water quality analysis, and regulatory impact assessment. The Scientist coordinates with EPA, state regulatory agencies, Navy program offices, and Fleet units to support requirements development, discharge characterization, and policy compliance for the Navy's UNDS program. The candidate is responsible for UNDS task areas and must apply rigorous QA/QC protocols, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater to ensure scientifically defensible results.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities (UNDS Support) include:

• Review state, federal, and international policies and regulations affecting shipboard wastewater discharge management
• Summarize regulatory findings in clear, actionable scientific reports for program leadership and stakeholders
• Identify and assess the impacts of proposed or enacted regulatory changes on Navy UNDS program compliance obligations
• Monitor EPA rulemaking, Congressional legislation, and international conventions (e.g., MARPOL Annex IV) for UNDS relevance
• Characterize discharges from Navy vessels using biological sampling, chemical analysis, and physical measurements per 40 CFR Part 1700
• Conduct biological sampling, toxicity testing, and bioassay methods to assess discharge characteristics and environmental impacts
• Apply EPA-approved test methods (40 CFR 136) and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater for all analytical work
• Collect and analyze water quality data from discharge streams aboard Navy vessels; maintain chain of custody and QA/QC protocols
• Support preparation of discharge characterization reports and data summaries (CDRL A002)
• Coordinate with laboratories and field teams for sampling and analytical services as required; utilize LIMS for data management
• Support the development of Navy regulations, policies, and guidelines in response to UNDS requirements
• Draft and review UNDS-related policy documents, standards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) drawing on biological science expertise
• Coordinate with NAVSEA, EPA, and Navy program offices to develop scientifically sound regulatory responses
• Assist in the preparation of Navy comments on proposed federal and state environmental rulemakings affecting biological and water quality standards
• Conduct outreach and awareness training for Navy personnel on UNDS requirements, discharge standards, and compliance procedures
• Develop training materials, presentations, and informational resources on biological sampling and water quality for Fleet and program office audiences
• Support creation of awareness campaigns and educational content related to shipboard environmental stewardship and discharge management
• Deliver training in multiple formats including classroom, aboard ship, and through informational products
• Manage supporting documentation arising from UNDS regulatory, policy, sampling, and outreach activities
• Track actions and decisions resulting from regulatory reviews, policy development, laboratory analyses, and program meetings
• Maintain program records, laboratory data files, and correspondence related to UNDS compliance activities
• Prepare status reports and action item logs for program leadership review; ensure QA/QC documentation is current and complete
• Plan, coordinate, and attend program reviews, conferences, symposia, and other programmatic and technical meetings related to UNDS work
• Prepare agendas, scientific presentation materials, and meeting minutes for UNDS-related events
• Represent NSWCDD UNDS program at interagency, Fleet, and external stakeholder forums as appropriate
• Track and follow up on action items arising from meetings and technical exchanges
• Provide analytical services for laboratory and shipboard/pier-side testing of water and wastewater quality and characterization
• Conduct water and wastewater sampling in accordance with EPA-approved test methods (40 CFR 136) and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
• Perform biological, chemical, and physical analytical testing and analyses using calibrated laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Apply statistical validation and QA/QC protocols to all analytical data; document results in LIMS and prepare analytical reports
• Support whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing and bioassay studies for discharge characterization
• Conduct studies on shipboard environmental systems and shore-side discharge operations
• Perform legislative reviews, rulemaking analyses, and international treaty reviews relevant to biological water quality standards
• Analyze regulatory documents for their impact and relevance to Navy programs and UNDS compliance
• Draft standards and regulations; prepare supporting scientific presentations and briefing materials
• Provide scientific data analysis, interpretation of laboratory results, and statistical projections related to discharge characterization and biological sampling
• Support UNDS compliance data reporting, trend analysis, and QA/QC reviews of analytical data
• Prepare data summaries, charts, and visualizations for program reports and briefings
• Write, review, edit, provide comments on, and revise scientific and technical documents including laboratory reports, sampling plans, and SOPs
• Develop technical assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for biological sampling and analytical procedures
• Review and develop drawings; rewrite/incorporate revisions into existing documents
• Attend technical and programmatic meetings; provide minutes and track action items to completion
• Arrange, organize, coordinate, schedule, and facilitate events including meetings, program reviews, and symposia
• Design and develop informational posters, brochures, specification sheets, and scientific outreach materials

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Biology from an accredited College or University

• Shall possess at least approximately five (5) years of experience in work related to Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) and its impact on Navy operations and vessels
• Expert knowledge of the Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) regulatory framework under 40 CFR Part 1700, and the underlying Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1322) authorities governing vessel discharges of the Armed Forces
• Strong foundation in biology, including microbiology, aquatic biology, or marine biology, as applied to water quality analysis, discharge characterization, biological sampling, and assessment of environmental impacts from shipboard discharges
• Proficiency in water and wastewater sampling techniques; skilled in applying EPA-approved test methods (40 CFR 136) and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater for all laboratory and field analyses
• Experience with biological sampling, toxicity testing, and bioassay methods (including whole effluent toxicity testing) to characterize vessel discharge streams and assess biological impacts on receiving water bodies
• Demonstrated experience implementing QA/QC protocols in laboratory and field settings; proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), chain of custody documentation, and laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis, statistical validation, and interpretation of laboratory results; ability to apply quantitative methods to support UNDS compliance reporting and discharge characterization studies
• Familiarity with federal environmental statutes (Clean Water Act, NEPA) and international treaties (MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV) applicable to ship waste management and discharge regulation; ability to assess regulatory impacts on Navy biological testing programs
• Knowledge of OPNAV-M 5090.1 (Environmental Readiness Program Manual) and relevant Navy environmental policy documents governing shipboard environmental compliance and biological monitoring requirements
• Strong scientific writing skills fProficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), LIMS, scientific databases, and data analysis tools
• preparation of sampling plans, laboratory reports, technical assessments, and regulatory analyses
• ability to communicate complex biological and technical findings to diverse stakeholders
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Should possess ten (10) years of experience in work related to UNDS Support
• Prior experience supporting Navy or DoD UNDS program execution, particularly in biological sampling or discharge characterization studies
• Familiarity with MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV (Sewage from Ships) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) environmental requirements applicable to Navy vessels
• Experience with EPA-approved testing procedures per 40 CFR 136 (Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants), including biological and chemical test methods
• Knowledge of shipboard environmental systems including Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs), oily water separators, ballast water treatment systems, and associated biological monitoring requirements
• Experience with whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing, biological monitoring, and bioassay protocol development for effluent characterization
• Prior experience with Navy Fleet support and shipboard biological sampling or pier-side discharge characterization operations
• Experience with CDRL preparation and delivery in a DoD contract environment
• Knowledge of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA) and their application to vessel discharge analysis
• Experience coordinating with state environmental agencies on discharge permitting, biological assessments, and compliance activities
• Familiarity with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and ecological risk assessment methods

Overview

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us .

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Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $86,800.00 - USD $135,625.00 /Yr.