This position is located in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Environmental Services Administration. The mission of DOEE is to protect and restore the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation's capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other district agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices. This Environmental Protection Specialist position resides in the Air Quality Permitting Branch, Air Quality Division, Department of Energy & Environment, and works under the general supervision of the Branch Chief. This position will be supporting the Air Quality Division’s permitting program, primarily by evaluating various types of air quality permit applications and preparing associated air quality permits and approvals, with associated technical support documents. The incumbent will process permits in a range of complexity up to and especially including some of the District’s most complex Title V major source permits. Another primary duty will be to assist the Branch Chief as a team lead in reviewing other staff members’ draft permits to ensure quality and consistency and to focus on backlog reduction, especially within the Title V air quality permitting program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Plans, develops, prepares, and implements Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and similar quality control measures relating to specific environmental disciplines. Designs and implements sampling and analysis plans; collects and analyzes environmental data and information; and creates and maintains databases and records relating to findings, conclusions, and decisions. Prepares and reviews policy recommendations and technical proposals on environmental and natural resource issues that are unusually controversial, precedent-setting, or very costly. Provides expert evaluation of findings to determine the existence and extent of environmental hazards. Develops and revises plans and control techniques to deal with environmental hazards. Reviews applications for various approvals, including plans, permits, registrations, certifications, and licenses, and determines whether to approve or deny, in accordance with established scientific and regulatory standards, criteria, and procedures.
Plans, develops, and implements an inspectional, sampling, investigatory, and enforcement program related to specialized scientific and technical practices to one of the above environmental programs to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of pollution. Prepares inspectional and investigatory reports from facts and information gathered during field inspections and records review, and maintains database of findings, conclusions, and decisions. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates sampling data and inspectional cases for sufficiency of documentation and supporting evidence. Refers conclusions to supervisor for assistance in making enforcement or corrective action decisions. Processes a wide range of enforcement actions, including notices of violation, stop work orders and site directives, compliance and cease and desist orders, civil infraction notices, and serves as a witness in administrative and judicial proceedings. Reviews and provides expert advice on site assessments and corrective action plans for contaminated sites, including review and approval of sampling and analysis plans, site investigations, feasibility studies, removal and remedial actions, monitoring plans, records of decision, clearance reports, operation and maintenance plans, and institutional controls to address indoor and ambient air quality, soils, surface water, groundwater, and sediment quality. Identifies deficiencies in information or interpretation, and seeks additional information, clarification, and corrections from responsible parties or their consultants.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office setting and field environment.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Hours may vary)
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0028-13
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: 13-Month Term Appointment
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered in a collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2725, and union dues may be collected.
Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.
Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
