Careers

Description:

 
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.

 

Examples of Essential Functions

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

Skills/Eligibility:

Minimum Qualifications

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.