A professional who plans, directs, and coordinates activities of staff involved in developing procedures, equipment, and techniques to solve pollution problems, using scientific research methods. Responsibilities include:

• Schedules and assigns duties to staff research scientists and engineers based on evaluation of their knowledge of specific disciplines.
• Confers with project scientists and research engineers to formulate research plan, coordinate project activities, and establish reporting procedures.
• Prepares environmental research project feasibility and progress reports.
• Coordinates activities of research personnel conducting successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, and testing.
• Reviews technical aspects of project to assist staff and assess productivity of lines of research.
• Reviews project operations to ensure coordination of efforts and timely submission of reports.
• Analyzes reports to evaluate program effectiveness and budgetary needs.
• Approves expenditures necessary for completion of project.
• Coordinates planning, testing, and operating phases to complete project.
• Confers with local regulatory agencies to discover local environmental quality standards, industrial practices, and new developments in pollution abatement.
• May provide technical assistance to agencies conducting related environmental studies.