Senior Environmental Specialist (Tribal Brownfields)

Under general supervision of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (EPNR) Department’s Environmental Programs Supervisor, manages all aspects of the EPA CERCLA 128(a) Tribal Brownfields grant program. Initiates activities that beautify the Community through Brownfields assessment, cleanup and redevelopment.  Coordinates with Community members, Tribal Government employees and departments along with other external partners to complete most tasks.   Provides outreach and organized group activities to achieve program goals.  Applies knowledge of federal and tribal law necessary to perform the job and manage contingencies.  This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Distinguishing Features:  The Senior Environmental Specialist (Tribal Brownfields) is the Community’s primary point of contact to ensure that all activities performed under CERCLA 128(a) grant are managed in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) federal requirements and SRPMIC Ordinances and directives.  This job class is grant funded and the budget position term-limited.

Essential Functions:   Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics.   This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

1. Grant Management and Execution:  Manages the 128(a) grant and ensures the work plan is carried out.

• Manages the EPA Brownfields Tribal Response grant and any other awarded Brownfields grants including submitting required proposals, work plans, reports and documentation to the EPA and pertinent Tribal Programs.
• Oversees assessments and cleanups of Brownfields sites that may include issuing RFPs, writing Agreements with contractors and overseeing their work.
• Manages and tracks Brownfields budget and completes work plans.
• Completes surveys and maintains an inventory of potential Brownfields (contaminated or suspected to be contaminated) sites,
• Develops and implements Brownfields oversight and enforcement mechanisms with other Tribal staff.
• Pursues continued EPA Brownfields and other sources of funding to execute assessment and clean-up operations at identified sites.
• Pursues funding for the continuation of the Brownfield Program to include this position.

2. Program Coordination:   Initiates activities and informs all partners of their roles and responsibilities related to CERCLA 128(a) Tribal Brownfields grants.

1. Builds good working relationships with representatives from the EPA and other Tribal Departments to execute the Brownfields work plans.
2. Assists with raising public awareness of Brownfields including acquiring and distributing Brownfields outreach materials and coordinating outreach events.
3. Coordinates with other Tribal Programs and Departments when conducting joint activities or when coordination is necessary or relevant.

• Coordinates with contractors to draft and review the Tribal Response Plan, QAPPs/SAPs, cleanup plans, draft and final reports and verification/certification procedures following cleanups.
• Organizes training sessions for responders and clean-up workers.
• Compiles, updates, announces and enters site information into the Brownfields Public Record notebook and Brownfields files (databases and file-keeping).
• Organizes and supports Community service events, activities and respond to requests for information related to Tribal Brownfields.
• Ensures all activities related to EPA CERCLA 128(a) and other Tribal Brownfields grants are managed in compliance with all Federal and Tribal laws and requirements.
• Beatifies and revitalizes neighborhoods and other areas in keeping with guidelines established by the SRPMIC Zoning Ordinances.

2. Safety:  Helps ensure the protection of all Community members, employees plus natural and cultural resources during project planning and execution under the Tribal Brownfields Program.

• Ensures proper and accurate testing of hazardous materials encountered during Brownfield remediation (such as asbestos and/or lead paint).
• Coordinates appropriate cleanup and emergency response activities relating to Brownfields remediation.
• Ensures proper training and the required documents, such as a Health and Safety Plan, are completed and followed for all persons on site.

• Ensures Tribal Government Departments and consultants use environmentally friendly substances whenever possible and utilize regulated substances in a safe manner consistent with manufacturer’s guidelines and federal regulations.  

3. Miscellaneous:  Performs other job-related tasks as assigned by the Environmental Programs Supervisor, Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Manager, and Community Development Department Director and Assistant Directors.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC.
• Knowledge and proper management of hazardous substances found in structures and dumpsites slated for demolition or clean up.
• Knowledge of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and other laws as they relate to Brownfields.
• Knowledge of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) and other federal legislation associated with solid & hazardous waste as they relate to Native American Tribes.
• Knowledge of public outreach and involvement to raise awareness and educate.

• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people within the department, EPA or other agency representatives involved with Brownfields.
• Skill adapting to new programs that track progress and expenditures (budget management).
• Skill with interpersonal relationships and relationship-building, team-building skills and cultural awareness.
• Skill with culturally appropriate leadership qualities.

• Ability to work independently, adapt quickly to new situations and to creatively overcome challenges.  
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, explain and apply relevant laws, regulations, ordinances and policies. 
• Ability to write clear, timely and accurate reports (EPA and internal).
• Ability to use a personal computer and related software including MS Office.
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively, and creatively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift and carry 45 lbs.

Education and Experience:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field AND 2 years work experience in an environmental quality program required, OR:

• 2 years work experience as an Environmental Specialist OR:
• An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college, vocational or technical school directly related to Environmental Sciences or a closely related field AND 3 years work experience in  environmental science, environmental planning or natural resources required, OR:
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Sciences and 3 years in an on-the-job Training (OJT) program that included EPA-sponsored training workshops and seminars.

• Possession, or ability to obtain, 40-hour HAZWOPER, 8-hour Refresher and Basic Inspector and other training preferred.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member who closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.