Environmental Specialist

This position will be a member of the Community Hygiene Division, which is responsible for a wide variety of environmental regulatory and educational activities to protect public health, safety and the environment in our community. The Community Hygiene staff perform routine inspections of regulated facilities, investigate complaints from the public, negotiate reasonable plans of action for abatement of violations, and carry out enforcement actions when necessary, including assessment of civil penalties and preparing and presenting cases in district court.

The primary duties of this Environmental Specialist position will include enforcement of federal, state and local regulations governing asbestos, solid waste, illegal dumping, recycling, open burning, nuisance odors, abandoned vehicles, inspection of dry cleaning businesses and gasoline dispensing facilities, and educating the public and local businesses about best management practices, regulatory compliance, pollution prevention and environmental protection. This position will interact with other government agencies (federal, state and local), professional organizations, community groups, local businesses and individual citizens

An employee in this class is responsible for independently performing technical work in specialized areas such as maintaining electronic air quality monitors, permitting of industrial sources of pollution, water quality field investigations, inspection of regulated facilities and activities and complaint investigations. An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing local, state and federal regulations governing solid waste and air quality. Additionally, an employee in this class may provide technical assistance to other agencies, county departments, local municipalities and community groups. Judgment and initiative are required. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated in conferences and by review of records and reports.

Must possess current knowledge of applicable federal, state and local regulations; best management practices for pollution prevention and responsible waste management; proper operation of technical equipment and computer software applicable to work assignments.

• Ability to follow specific guidelines
• Ability to work independently under normal working conditions
• Ability to prioritize and organize a variety of work assignments
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability maintain effective working relationships with other employees
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to perform assessments and demonstrate good professional judgment.

• Lifting 20-50 lbs occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

Graduation from a four year college or university in environmental science, or a related field, and at least one year experience in environmental control work or related experience. A four-year degree outside of the relevant academic field plus additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Maintain a valid driver's license.

• Investigates complaints involving solid waste, open burning, odors, indoor air quality and mold, asbestos, and related issues; makes referrals as necessary
• Enforces county code, state and federal regulations
• Inspects regulated facilities and activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations which include climbing ladders, bending, and stooping
• Assesses conditions to determine the existence of violations
• Collects evidence as needed for documentation and potential enforcement action
• Issues Notices of Violation and civil penalties as appropriate
• Appears in district court when necessary to carry out enforcement actions
• Interacts and collaborates with other regulatory agencies on the local, state, and federal levels
• Interacts with violators through consultation, negotiation, education and enforcement actions
• Promotes best management practices for water protection, solid waste management, recycling, and hazardous waste management
• Creates and delivers presentations to professional organizations and community groups
• Performs related work as assigned