Are you looking to join a dynamic team with a strong sense of accountability that strives to achieve great results? Discover what makes the City of Vista an amazing place to work!
This is a flexibly-staffed position and applicants will be considered for both classifications based on qualifying experience.
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, an Environmental Specialist assists in the coordination and implementation of the technical components of the City's Water Quality Protection Program and related department activities associated with water quality, urban runoff and stormwater pollution; conducts field investigation and inspection of industrial, commercial, and residential dischargers; performs water quality monitoring and data analysis, education and outreach, complaint response, and watershed activities; assists with annual report preparation; and performs related duties as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
The Environmental Specialist I:
Is the entry-level classification in the Environmental Specialist series. Incumbents work under the direction of the Senior Environmental Specialist, and/or the Stormwater Program Manager. This classification is distinguished from the Environmental Specialist II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series, including the routine education and outreach efforts; permitting activities; inspections, audits, and studies; and environmental sampling. Work is reviewed in progress and/or upon completion for accuracy and completeness.
The Environmental Specialist II:
Is the journey-level classification in the Environmental Specialist series. Employees within this classification are distinguished from the Environmental Specialist I in the variety and complexity of inspections, investigations and related activities of the City's Water Quality Protection Program, and by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. The primary responsibility of the Environmental Specialist II is to plan and organize inspections, investigations and related activities. Incumbents at this level are expected to work independently and schedule their work within required timeframes to meet the objectives of the program.
Environmental Specialist I:
Plans, organizes and participates in the permitting, monitoring, inspection, enforcement, pollution prevention, and data management activities of the City's Water Quality Protection Program and other related environmental programs in accordance with federal, state and local laws and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit(s)
Coordinates the investigation of stormwater run-off, industrial related stormwater quality problems, complaints and violations of storm water regulations and codes
Prepares outreach materials, conducts outreach efforts and train city staff on storm water and environmental protection; provides information to property and business owners, tenants, city employees, and the general public through individual contact in the field, over the counter, at workshops or community events, by telephone, and/or other appropriate means; coordinates with internal City departments to improve levels of compliance with NPDES permit
Prepares notices of violation and compliance schedules in cooperation with violators; prepares cases for court action, and appear in court to testify in such action
Prepares and maintains records of investigations made and actions taken
Maintains inspection files, records, and logs; write reports and chronologies
Reviews and determines completeness of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices to maximize stormwater and environmental protection
Performs sampling and basic field testing of stormwater, wastewater and other environmental samples; determine pollutants and further need for lab testing
Evaluates and interpret technical reports, documents, manifests, applications and permits related to environmental regulations and compliance with local, state and federal regulations
Environmental Specialist II (in addition to above):
Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and other program requirements for education, inspections, complaint response, watershed activities, annual report writing, inter-departmental training and coordination, city representation at regional meetings
Schedules work activities and inspections independently to meet program objectives in a timely manner
Reviews construction plans to identify stormwater discharge sources and best management practices (structural and non-structural) to maximize stormwater and water quality protection
Compiles compliance reports and associated correspondence to regulatory agencies. Researches availability of grant monies for projects related to the department's responsibilities, and write applications
Provides training, direction and guidance for City staff as directed by the Senior Environmental Specialist or the Stormwater Program Manager
Conducts meetings, represents the City at meetings, and make presentations to public interest groups, City personnel and others as directed
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying background is a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field; and
Environmental Specialist I: one (1) year of experience performing environmental or water quality field and office work.
Environmental Specialist II: two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing environmental or water quality field and office work.
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
A valid Class C California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, regulations and ordinances relating to stormwater and/or environmental protection issues (notably, NPDES MS4 permits and programs); modern principles and practices of chemistry, biology, microbiology or environmental protection applicable to stormwater, wastewater, hazardous materials or waste, or industrial wastes; best Management Practices used for effective stormwater management at industrial and commercial businesses, residential properties, development projects and construction sites; regional environmental issues, including municipal stormwater pollution prevention responsibilities; basic principles of inspection, investigation, or code enforcement; basic principles and practices of municipal stormwater and sewer systems; methods of detection of pollutants in urban runoff or other wastes, and their effect on the environment; proper use of water monitoring, sampling, and testing equipment and techniques; modern office procedures and methods including computer equipment and word processing, Geographic Information Systems, and spreadsheet applications; principles of record keeping, case management, and reporting and principles and practices used to deal effectively with the public.
SKILL IN:
Operating a variety of office equipment including a personal computer and associated software programs such as word processing, data analysis tools, spreadsheets and geographic information systems (GIS); collecting stormwater samples from various sites; using water monitoring, sampling, and testing equipment; operating a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
ABILITY TO:
Properly interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; investigate and identify common stormwater pollutants and possible sources, and applicable Best Management Practices; perform responsible administrative support duties involving the use of independent and personal initiative; understand and implement principles, practices, methods, and techniques of inspection, code violation investigation, enforcement, water sampling and testing; apply procedures and practices for issuing notices of violation and schedules for compliance; research, collect, compile, and analyze information and data; maintain and update records, logs, and reports; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; lead meetings and make effective presentations; establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position); Incumbents will work in a variety of environmental settings, in and around stormwater, wastewater, industrial wastes, hazardous substances, and in the immediate vicinity of laboratory chemicals and reactive agents used to analyze environmental samples. The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment to travel within and out of City limits for meetings may also be required.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: (760) 726-1340.
SELECTION PROCESS :
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
Recruitment Closes- Sunday, August 23rd
Initial Interview Panel- Week of August 31st
Department Interview- Week of September 7th
- Please note, all dates and/or time frames are subject to change.
