Environmental Specialist Jobs

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all inclusive.

• Input data into appropriate databases, ensuring that all data is accurately categorized by type and that all necessary information is recorded.
• Assist Natural Resources Program Manager with other duties as assigned.
• Reviews and evaluates regulatory documents, reports and proposals relating to areas of environmental or natural resource science.
• Explain City codes, policies, and procedures to members of the public, businesses, contractors, consultants, and City employees; participate in development review activities to explain City processes and inspection requirements related to stormwater management and environmental protection; review site plans, prepare comments, and make recommendations.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of private stormwater management facilities consistent with the requirements of City's NPDES Stormwater permit.
• Participates in the development and implementation of short- and long-range goals and objectives for Program areas and evaluates Program effectiveness and recommends modifications.
• Conduct inspections and investigations of businesses, facilities, and construction sites to identify environmental concerns and/or non-compliance issues. Follow City enforcement protocols; record incidents; coordinate with other City staff; recommend and implement enforcement actions as required.
• Provide overall coordination and compliance with the City's NPDES Stormwater permit and implementation of the Stormwater Management Plan. Assists the Natural Resources Manager with coordination with other cities and regulatory agencies.
• Implement outreach and education programs about stormwater management and environmental protection.
• Administer water quality monitoring, interpret data, perform statistical analysis, monitor areas of concern, identify trends, and report results orally and/or in writing.
• Coordinate compliance activities associated with stormwater management and environmental protection requirements. Responsible for identifying required activities and results, coordinating with other City staff, and negotiating appropriate commitments with other parties.
• Participates in projects using natural systems management techniques to enhance, restore or conserve natural resources, including wetlands, uplands, stream riparian corridors, and other habitats.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints.

• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner. Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.
• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.

• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority. Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.

• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Provide prompt and reliable service. Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.

Education: Requires an Associate's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field.
Experience: Requires at least two (2) years of experience in a technical or research-related position. A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. A Master's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for a portion of the required experience.
Certifications: Requires a valid driver license.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to read and understand construction documents, details, schematics, layouts, and other visual aids.
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and make sound, creative recommendations and present recommendations to individuals from all levels of the City, as well as individuals outside the City.
• Ability to coordinate and implement program requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of the stormwater regulatory requirements and understanding of application.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports and utilize a computer to track program costs and results.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, management, elected officials and the general public, and display excellent interpersonal skills and awareness of controversial and/or sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of stormwater management and environmental protection including techniques of low impact development, best management practices, and water quality/pollution control.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, methods and practices of natural resource management and natural area protection, restoration and enhancement.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate work programs and make corrections when necessary.
• Ability to operate computers using spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications at an intermediate to advanced level.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written, including strong public presentation skills, experience developing reports and community education materials.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including NPDES Stormwater permit and Stormwater Management Plan requirements.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written format.
• General knowledge of utility operations and public works programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City management, coworkers, supervisors, contractors, property owners, other agencies, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of water quality and environmental regulations relating to stormwater issues, water quality concerns as related to municipal public works and utilities operations.
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Knowledge of physical, biological and/or ecological sciences.
• Ability to present materials to State, local, and public officials, property owners, and the general public.
• Knowledge of personal computer software applications, specifically word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to compile and maintain comprehensive and detailed records systems.
• Ability to comply with safety requirements of the position and actively promote safe work practices.
• Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and to use good judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities with little supervision or guidance.

Working Environment: Work is performed both in the office and in the field. Duties will occasionally involve working in adverse or inclement weather conditions; exposure to high noise levels; dealing with distraught or difficult individuals; attending meetings or activities outside normal working hours; occasional response to emergency conditions during off-hours; and operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.
Physical Requirements: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas, including rough and uneven terrain, to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
Cognitive Functions: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced environment characterized by frequent deadlines, interruptions, and decision making processes. Work is performed with minimal direction and supervision. In the course of conducting these duties, the Environmental Specialist will encounter issues where interpretation/application of policies and regulations will require consultation and approval by management. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with coworkers and members of the public. Concentration and focus are required to complete complex, detail oriented tasks.
Equipment used: Personal computer with application software. Camera, hand tools, absorbent booms, portable samplers, flow meters, measuring devices, and utility vehicle.