JOB SUMMARY
The Environmental Protection Specialist III applies intermediate knowledge of various water and wastewater principles, practices, and regulations to conduct a range of environmental protection activities, including information collection and analysis, inspection, monitoring, sampling, and public education. S/he conducts inspections, monitors activities, plans, sites for compliance, and compiles various data and information under multiple types of regulatory frameworks. In addition, s/he examines, analyzes, evaluates, and interprets various data and information for inclusion in reports. S/he works under limited supervision/guidance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS-
Perform field analyses, site inspections, groundwater well inspections, and surveys to determine the extent of compliance/non-compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality regulations and permits. Negotiates compliance schedules and activities with the regulated community and follows up on progress. May serve as a team lead and provide functional guidance to other staff, as they perform field analyses, site inspections, groundwater well inspections, and surveys.
-
Examines, interprets, and manipulates data extracted from field activities to determine regulatory compliance, ambient conditions, trending, and cause and effect relationships between contamination sources and impacts. Supports the development of studies of environmental issues and their effect on system operations, public health, and the environment.
-
Reviews and evaluates permit applications, pollution control plans, and proposed compliance strategies under multiple regulatory frameworks. Prepares and writes complex, individual permits, environmental assessments, and technical reports; and defends work before regulatory governmental bodies.
-
Assesses the need for corrective/preventive action. Initiates early stages of corrective action as appropriate, and consults with Supervisor to initiate latter, more advanced stages.
-
Prepares documentation and recommendations to support the development of environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate regulatory requirements. Provides functional guidance to other staff to familiarize them with these requirements. Assists with implementation of these standards, once adopted.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS-
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Geographical Information Systems, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
-
Two years' experience in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater, or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations.
-
Experience in developing and presenting technical material, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or preparing recommendations and technical reports.
-
TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License within 6 months and Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License within 24 months of hire.
-
Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
-
Pass position specific physical testing.
JOB DIMENSIONS-
Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.
-
Frequent contact with internal and external customers, consultants, vendors, and government agencies.
-
Has regular, in-person and telephone contact with the public, elected and appointed officials, local commissions, and regulated community representatives to explain environmental rules and laws, answers technical inquiries, responds to complaints, gives presentations, and performs inspections or investigations to gain cooperation in achieving compliance. Often contacts local governments to exchange information and obtain feedback on agency policy and procedures.
-
Participates in public and industry education by developing and presenting technical material, and communicates scientific and technical information through oral briefings, written documents, or written testimony.
-
Responds to oil, sewage, and chemical spills and emergency situations requiring containment of the spilled substance to support assessment of the environmental impact and remediation action required.
-
Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 60 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time.
Working conditions are both in an office environment and a field environment where there is heavy traffic, construction, rugged terrain, and inclement and hazardous environmental conditions. If a part of the "emergency response team" must be able to complete and maintain the requirements as specified in applicable regulations for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated protective equipment. Also operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.
