Position Overview

The Environmental Specialist assists with the implementation of the City's Natural Resources Program (Program), which includes responsibilities associated with the Municipal NPDES Stormwater Management permit and other related regulations. Performs a variety of complex and specialized functions to facilitate the development, implementation, and management of program objectives.

The Environmental Specialist reports directly to the Natural Resources Manager. Supervision or budget administration is not normally a function of this position, but the employee may occasionally act as a lead worker on projects.

This is a journey-level, specialized class that independently performs a wide variety of environmental compliance duties, including field inspections, project implementation, public outreach, and preparing and filing reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities of the City's stormwater management program. Successful performance of the work requires skill in coordinating programmatic activities and department work. This class is distinguished from the Natural Resources Manager in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over division staff and has management responsibility for related programs, functions, and activities.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all inclusive.

• Participates in the development and implementation of short- and long-range goals and objectives for Program areas and evaluates Program effectiveness and recommends modifications.
• Reviews and evaluates regulatory documents, reports and proposals relating to areas of environmental or natural resource science.
• Participates in projects using natural systems management techniques to enhance, restore or conserve natural resources, including wetlands, uplands, stream riparian corridors, and other habitats.
• Provide overall coordination and compliance with the City's NPDES Stormwater permit and implementation of the Stormwater Management Plan. Assists the Natural Resources Manager with coordination with other cities and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate compliance activities associated with stormwater management and environmental protection requirements. Responsible for identifying required activities and results, coordinating with other City staff, and negotiating appropriate commitments with other parties.
• Conduct inspections and investigations of businesses, facilities, and construction sites to identify environmental concerns and/or non-compliance issues. Follow City enforcement protocols; record incidents; coordinate with other City staff; recommend and implement enforcement actions as required.
• Explain City codes, policies, and procedures to members of the public, businesses, contractors, consultants, and City employees; participate in development review activities to explain City processes and inspection requirements related to stormwater management and environmental protection; review site plans, prepare comments, and make recommendations.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of private stormwater management facilities consistent with the requirements of City's NPDES Stormwater permit.
• Input data into appropriate databases, ensuring that all data is accurately categorized by type and that all necessary information is recorded.
• Administer water quality monitoring, interpret data, perform statistical analysis, monitor areas of concern, identify trends, and report results orally and/or in writing.
• Implement outreach and education programs about stormwater management and environmental protection.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Assist Natural Resources Program Manager with other duties as assigned.

Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner. Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority. Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service. Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

Qualifications

Education: Requires an Associate's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field.

Experience: Requires at least two (2) years of experience in a technical or research-related position. A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. A Master's degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for a portion of the required experience.

Certifications: Requires a valid driver license.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of physical, biological and/or ecological sciences.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, methods and practices of natural resource management and natural area protection, restoration and enhancement.
• Knowledge of stormwater management and environmental protection including techniques of low impact development, best management practices, and water quality/pollution control.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including NPDES Stormwater permit and Stormwater Management Plan requirements.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of water quality and environmental regulations relating to stormwater issues, water quality concerns as related to municipal public works and utilities operations.
• Thorough knowledge of the stormwater regulatory requirements and understanding of application.
• Knowledge of personal computer software applications, specifically word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• General knowledge of utility operations and public works programs.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written, including strong public presentation skills, experience developing reports and community education materials.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written format.
• Ability to present materials to State, local, and public officials, property owners, and the general public.
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Ability to read and understand construction documents, details, schematics, layouts, and other visual aids.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate work programs and make corrections when necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City management, coworkers, supervisors, contractors, property owners, other agencies, and the general public.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and make sound, creative recommendations and present recommendations to individuals from all levels of the City, as well as individuals outside the City.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports and utilize a computer to track program costs and results.
• Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and to use good judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities with little supervision or guidance.
• Ability to operate computers using spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications at an intermediate to advanced level.
• Ability to compile and maintain comprehensive and detailed records systems.
• Ability to coordinate and implement program requirements.
• Ability to comply with safety requirements of the position and actively promote safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, management, elected officials and the general public, and display excellent interpersonal skills and awareness of controversial and/or sensitive issues.

Additional Information

Working Environment: Work is performed both in the office and in the field. Duties will occasionally involve working in adverse or inclement weather conditions; exposure to high noise levels; dealing with distraught or difficult individuals; attending meetings or activities outside normal working hours; occasional response to emergency conditions during off-hours; and operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.

Physical Requirements: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas, including rough and uneven terrain, to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Cognitive Functions: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced environment characterized by frequent deadlines, interruptions, and decision making processes. Work is performed with minimal direction and supervision. In the course of conducting these duties, the Environmental Specialist will encounter issues where interpretation/application of policies and regulations will require consultation and approval by management. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with coworkers and members of the public. Concentration and focus are required to complete complex, detail oriented tasks.

Equipment used: Personal computer with application software. Camera, hand tools, absorbent booms, portable samplers, flow meters, measuring devices, and utility vehicle.