Environmental Specialist II

Under general supervision, interacts with private and public entities to ensure compliance with applicable requirements for environmental issues including, but not limited to, solid waste, pretreatment, drainage, cross connection control (backflow prevention) and storm water.  Serves as an initial point of contact for entities residing or operating within the City of Grapevine. Assists in the administration of environmental management programs.

1. Acts as point of contact for customers (entities) to resolve environmental issues involving, but not limited to, solid waste, pretreatment, drainage, cross connection control (backflow prevention), and storm water.  Provides quality customer service through continuous improvement initiative.

2. Performs routine sampling, analysis, and develops methodology.  Operates and performs minor maintenance of technical equipment used in the field of environmental pollution.  Follows procedures for quality assurance and quality control.

3. Performs environmental inspections. Conducts investigations, inspections, audits, surveys, and data collection to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, contracts, and other requirements and consistency with previously reviewed and approved plans relating to environmental issues.

4. Assists in the review of pre and post construction plans and documentation to help ensure compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and/or policies. Reviews individual plans to ensure compliance and consistency with other plans including but not limited to Masterplans for development.  The incumbent has the authority to require that workmanship and materials conform to City specs and standards during review and throughout project construction.

5. Advises departmental management of problems and project conditions.  Makes recommendations regarding findings.

6. Conducts outreach and education.  Assists in the preparation of educational presentations and distribution of educational materials.

7. Encourages compliance with numerous local ordinances, as well as, state and/or federal regulations.

8. Maintains documentation and data.

9. Writes reports and drafts correspondence as required.

10. Provides technical assistance, oversight and guidance to other personnel as needed regarding environmental issues.

11. Performs duties and operates in compliance with policy and procedures.

12. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

13. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.

14. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily  work.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Ensures customers’ (entities) concerns are resolved in a timely manner.

• Ensures that contractors, developers, citizens, and other entities are aware of and strive to comply with applicable laws, regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.

• Ensures proper testing procedures, documentation and records as per State and Federal regulations.   Helps ensure pollution prevention.

• Must have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions

• Must have the ability to complete tasks as assigned.

• Ability to work in a team environment, contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.

• Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.

• Skills in tactful handling of investigations and enforcement activities. Skill in maintaining accurate records and reports. Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents, ordinances, statutes, policy manuals, engineering drawings and blueprints.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

Bachelor’s degree with an environmental emphasis plus a minimum of one year of "hands on" experience in the environment field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must possess good oral and written skills to effectively communicate with a variety of citizens, business and industry officials.

Position requires familiarity with Excel and Word software.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Prefer TCEQ certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester or Customer Service Inspector. A TCEQ Class C Water Distribution certification is an added plus.

May be required to work outside normal hours and in inclement weather conditions.

Requires general knowledge of field sampling, data analysis, environmental test equipment, and quality assurance/quality control.  Knowledge of plumbing, storm drainage systems or the water/wastewater industry. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing public water quality control systems. Knowledge of methods and techniques of performing routine investigations and inspections.  Aware of OSHA law regarding confined space entry.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, functional assessment screening (Level 2), Titmus vision screening, Ishihara vision screening, and a smell test.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

•             Bright/dim light

•             Dusts and pollen

•             Extreme heat and/or cold

•             Wet or humid conditions

•             Extreme noise levels

•             Animals/wildlife

•             Vibration

•             Fumes and/or noxious odors

•             Traffic

•             Moving machinery

•             Electrical shock

•             Heights

•             Disease/pathogens

•             Toxic/caustic chemicals

•             Uneven walking surfaces

•             Hazardous chemicals

•             Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 35 to 50 pounds and exert up to 75 pounds of force.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.