An Environmental Protection Officer (Water Science) (Waste and Water Stream) is mainly deployed to (a) monitor and report on the hydraulics and water quality of rivers, streams, nullahs or marine environment; (b) assist in preparation of water quality management plans or development of water quality objectives; (c) conduct investigation projects in water quality management, such as sediment disposal at sea, dredging works, groundwater quality, eutrophication, or red tides; (d) conduct investigations on micropollutants and toxic substances in marine and fresh waters, and their biological effects in the environment; (e) assist in interpretation of water quality information and water quality impact assessment in relation to planning studies and developments; (f) audit water quality data collected in the course of major construction works; and (g) manage water science laboratories, and supervise and train technical grade staff to carry out water science laboratory work.

Candidates should have (a) (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a natural science subject with major in aquatic biology, chemistry, environmental toxicology or hydrology, and three years’ post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution, with at least two years relevant to aquatic biology, chemistry, aquatic toxicology or oceanography of the water environment; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline (see Note (1)) elected after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years’ training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution, with at least two years relevant to aquatic biology, chemistry, aquatic toxicology or oceanography of the water environment (not necessarily obtained after Membership); and (b) a pass result in the Aptitude Test (AT) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE); and (c) met the language proficiency requirements of Level 2 in the two language papers [Use of Chinese (UC) and Use of English (UE)] in the CRE, or equivalent (See Note (2)).