Environmental Health Administrator

Under general direction, assists in planning, directing, administering and evaluating the City-wide Wastewater Management Program; develops and implements ordinances and regulations to promote the facilitation of decentralized wastewater treatment facilities, safety inspections, training and policy administration; administers and conducts plan check reviews of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems; provides complex professional staff assistance to the Community Development Director in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Understands, interprets, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations in a manner that achieves environmental health protection using a balanced approach to meet the needs of the regulated industry and the community

• Has knowledge of the planning, development, implementation, and administration of municipal wastewater management programs

• Analyzes complex technical and operational problems and recommends cost-effective solutions

• Communicates effectively in meetings and makes formal presentations to community groups, other agencies, and elected officials

• Establishes rapport and maintains mutually productive relationships with staff, partner agencies, and the public

• Exercises good judgment, flexibility, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs

• Assists in planning, organizing, managing, and directing the City’s Wastewater Management Program, which ensures the environmental compliance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), including the Operating Permit program

• Reviews and evaluates OWTS submittals for conformance with applicable state, local, and City codes, regulations, and ordinance

• Conducts inspections and investigations for compliance with applicable OWTS codes and ordinances

• Assists in the City’s compliance with the Local Agency Management Plan development and Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Water Quality Control Board

• Provides technical staff support in the review of OWTS documents, reports and legislation as needed

• Supervises and directs the work of outside consultants to develop or implement projects related to the Wastewater Management Program and related OWTS projects

• Plans, develops, and coordinates public outreach and educational programs regarding OWTS issues for the community and interest groups; designs and creates educational materials, such as brochures and flyers

• Represents the department and its environmental programs to other City departments, outside agencies, and the community; coordinates division activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations

• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of environmental programming

• Assists and participates in Technical Advisory meetings, Community Outreach Meetings, and related community and City boards and committees

• Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, including special reports as requested, and related memoranda and documents.

• Receives, investigates, and responds to citizen complaints, inquiries, and requests for services

• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect the assigned program; implements wastewater policy and procedural changes as required

• Provides training for City staff upon request

• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: 

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental science, public health, biological science, chemistry, physical science, or a related field.

Experience: 

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment system design, construction, inspection, and/or compliance, including experience with onsite treatment systems.

• Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.  

• Must possess and maintain a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist in the State of California, or a Registered Civil Engineer, or a Registered Geologist, or equivalent.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of planning, developing, implementing, and administering municipal wastewater management programs

• Systems and other environmental issues relating to wastewater management programs

• Methods of research, program analyses, product analyses, and report preparation

• Principles and practices of effective program management and coordination, including long and short-range planning

• Basic principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration 

• Marketing, public information, and community relations concepts including negotiation techniques and presentation skills. 

• Hazardous materials storage, treatment, and disposal

• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

• Plan, develop, and implement a Wastewater Management Program and coordinate with other agencies

• Recommend comprehensive wastewater planning policies and programs based upon community needs, available resources and overall City priorities and policies

• Coordinate the Wastewater Management Program with other departments and agencies and prepare sound, oral and written reports, and recommendations

• Identify and analyze complex technical, operational, and administrative problems and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend or adopt effective changes; present ideas persuasively in both oral and written formats

• Conduct cost analyses and administer program budgets

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed

• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials 

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks