An Environmental Scientist provides scientific research, biological analysis, and technical support for the Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) program at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCDD). This role applies biological science expertise to ensure the Navy's compliance with wastewater management policies affecting vessels and operations, using scientific methodology for discharge characterization, water quality analysis, and regulatory impact assessment.
Responsibilities
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
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
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
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Biology from an accredited College or University
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 for 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
Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), LIMS, scientific databases, and data analysis tools
Nice to have:
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
Benefits
Health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits
Paid leave
Professional development
Tuition assistance
Work-life programs
Award programs for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of service standards
Important Details
This position is part of a proposal effort and is contingent upon contract award
About the Company
Noblis and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to customers’ most critical missions. They bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring their work creates lasting impact across federal missions. Noblis works with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. They have earned numerous workplace awards for their culture, commitment to employee well-being, and dedication to meaningful, impactful work. Noblis also maintains a drug-free workplace.
Noblis is a nonprofit science, technology, and strategy organization that brings the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise in an environment of independence and objectivity.
