Sr. Environmental Compliance Specialist

Summary

Under general supervision, the Sr. Environmental Compliance Specialist performs routine investigations and inspections, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Pay Range: $58,877.69 - $76,469.47 (Depending on qualifications and experience)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform stormwater inspections of industrial and commercial facilities to verify compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations such as TCEQ TPDES permits and Garland’s Stormwater Ordinance.
• Conducts enforcement actions against regulated facilities, prepares documentation and affidavits, and represents the city in court cases and hearings when necessary.
• Issue citations or suspend operations of regulated businesses based on failure to comply with ordinances.
• Respond to on-call emergencies related to illicit discharges and hazardous materials spills.
• Inspects, investigates, and eliminates illicit connections and discharges to Garland’s MS4 system and illicit discharges to watercourses within Garland.
• Performs Dry and Wet Weather Screening activities to ascertain levels of environmental materials or contamination present.
• Walks and kayaks miles of creeks and lake banks to conduct illicit discharge and illicit connection investigations and to inspect outfalls.
• Responds to and investigates complaints related to stormwater violations and homeless encampments.
• Interprets environmental laws and regulations for contractors, public and private officials, and the general public.
• Participates in community outreach and professional educational events. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, including 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in the following fields: environmental science (preferred), biological sciences, microbiology, chemistry, physical sciences, environmental engineering, or related fields.
• 3 years related experience.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science (preferred), biological sciences, microbiology, chemistry, physical sciences, environmental engineering, or related fields. Additional coursework in communication skills is highly desirable.
• Experience conducting inspections and investigations; federal, state, and local regulations governing environmental quality and stormwater compliance, and best management practices as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to apply policy and procedures in decision making.
• Exhibits excellent and professional customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to communicate in all forms and formats.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Ability to perform established testing procedures for water sample analysis and use sampling and testing equipment.
• Skill in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Licenses and Certifications

• HAZWOPER 24 Certification.
• Stormwater Qualified Person Certification.
• Texas Registered Sanitarian.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist through the National Environmental Health Association.
• Qualified Industrial Stormwater Manager.
• Valid Class C Texas driver's license.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The incumbent works primarily in an outdoor environment and occasionally in a standard office setting indoors.  Frequent exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards to include mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, materials and fumes. The employee will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as human waste, needles, syringes, and drugs and drug paraphernalia. Physical tasks may include walking on uneven and unpaved surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling, obtaining samples, setting up equipment and the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds.