Coastal Resources Scientist 1, 2, or 3 (Permitting & Compliance)

Posting number: DCE-OPC-2026-225253-MFR

Department: DCE-Conservation and Energy

Division: Office of Permitting and Compliance

Job classification: COASTAL RESOURCES SCIENTIST 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Natural Resources

20251120083934_2025 DCE LOGO.png

A bachelor's degree in one of the following fields: biological sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related field.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Investigates unpermitted activities that are possible violations of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP).
• Determines and advises violators on methods to get their activities into compliance with the LCRP.
• Arbitrates and resolves conflicts among violators and other state and federal agencies.
• Investigates possible violations of CUP terms or conditions for industrial, commercial, and private interests to determine the difference between the ways the work was done versus how it was permitted.
• Determines and advises permittees on methods to get their activities into compliance with their permits, arbitrating and resolving conflicts among permittees and other state and federal agencies.
• Evaluates and balances complex engineering, environmental, and economic issues, and makes recommendations to the Supervisor for the terms and conditions of final enforcement actions.
• Prepares and advertises public notices and issues After-the-Fact Amended Coastal Use Permits in accordance with rules and procedures for issuing CUPs.
• Assists in site inspections of industrial, commercial and private facilities or properties and proposed construction sites.
• Reviews and interprets technical literature and attends seminars and workshops to maintain familiarity with state-of-the-art mapping and aerial photography techniques, computer software, and coastal resource management laws, policies, and strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

• POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS:Appointment Type: Probational
• Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Coastal Resources Scientist 1, 2, or 3.
• Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible.
• Compensation: A Special Entrance Rate (SER) is offered to qualified applicants. The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Title/Level
• Coastal Resources Scientist 1Coastal Resources Scientist 2Coastal Resources Scientist 3
• Pay Level
• TS-308
• TS-309
• TS-311
• SER Hourly Range
• $20.91 - $33.02
• $22.38 - $35.33
• $25.62 - $40.45
• SER Monthly Range
• $3,624.40 - $5,724
• $3,879.20 - $6,124
• $4,440.80 - $7,011
• SER Annual Range
• $43,492.80 - $68,682
• $46,550.40 - $73,486
• $53,289.60 - $84,136
• Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
• No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
• Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
• \* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

The Office of Permitting and Compliance (OPC) oversees all permitting and regulatory functions within the Department, ensuring clarity, consistency, and regulatory integrity. By streamlining processes, accelerating permitting timelines and enhancing data-driven decision-making, the Office ensures compliance with environmental standards while supporting responsible economic development.

This Coastal Resources Scientist 1, 2, or 3 performs advanced work in utilizing regulatory and/or non-regulatory measures to create, restore, enhance, protect, and preserve the state's coastal wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and other natural resources vital to the state's economy and/or safety of its citizens. This position independently investigates possible violations of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP) which involves consideration and balancing of complex, and often technical, engineering, environmental and economic issues.

Human Resources

Department of Conservation & Energy

PO Box 94396

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396