Environmental Program Specialist (SR-22)

 Performs the full range and variety of assignments in developing, implementing, coordinating, and maintaining county-wide environmental protection and sustainability programs including demonstration projects, educational/promotional campaigns, and informational activities, and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This class differs from Recycling Specialist series in that the Environmental Program Specialist independently performs the full range and variety of assignments in developing, implementing, coordinating, and maintaining county-wide environmental protection and sustainability programs; whereas the Recycling Specialist classes performs assignments related to the county-wide recycling and waste reduction programs.

The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.

• Administers and manages annual county grant subsidies to various county vendors that provide environmental and sustainability services and education. 
• Develops, administers, and implements a county recognition program for environmental and sustainability business and community leaders. 
• Develops, administers, implements, and enforces programs for environmental and sustainability county, state and/or federal legislation. 
• Develops scope of work, procures, manages, and administers contractual services for environmental and sustainability services. 
• Develops, maintains, reviews, and utilizes databases related to environmental and sustainability programs.
• Administers federal and state-funded environmental grants. 
• Assists with annual budget preparation. 
• Assists with budgetary tracking and analysis. 
• Compiles, tracks, and analyzes data and statistics for periodic reports. 
• Works with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, rules and laws.
• Procures goods and services related to environmental and sustainability programs.
• Organizes, researches, develops, implements, and monitors existing and new environmental and sustainability programs, demonstration projects, and educational and promotional activities of a difficult nature. 
• Researches, develops, updates, and maintains comprehensive county EP&S website and other online content. 
• Develops, coordinates, updates, and maintains active social media accounts.
• Researches, develops, and implements educational programs including public educational campaigns.
• Researches, develops, procures, prepares, and disseminates educational and promotional materials.
• Coordinates, administers, and promotes environmental and sustainability educational and skill-building workshops and classes for students and the general public. 
• Convenes and coordinates EP&S advisory group that consists of local environmental, social, and cultural experts and leaders. 
• Liaisons with Environmental Coordinator, Energy Commissioner, Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, and other county agencies. 
• Responds to public inquiries via phone, email, and in person. 
• Appears at public events to outreach and provide education, and provides public presentations to county officials, businesses, community organizations, schools, and the general public.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

Training and Experience:  A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration, environmental studies, sustainability studies, urban planning, public health, political science, sociology, or a related field, and three (3) years of experience in the implementation and coordination of programs in environmental protection, sustainability, ecology, systems design, contract management, grant management, project management, or program management.

License Requirement:  Possession of a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Hawaii (equivalent to Hawaii Type 3).

Knowledge of:   Environmental and sustainability issues such as climate change and sea level rise, renewable energy, low emission transportation, green building, ecological systems conservation, habitat preservation, air and water quality, biodiversity, invasive and endangered species, traditional land management systems, sustainable food production and sustainable agricultural practices, health and healing, solid waste reduction and landfill diversion, and/or litter control; community resources relative to environmental protection and sustainability; federal, state, and county environmental legislation; familiarity with traditional Hawaiian culture and environmental practices. Understanding of basic economics; techniques of preparing informational and educational materials; grant management; contract management; project management; public relations; office practices and procedures; administrative systems services such as fiscal, purchasing, inventory, and personnel record keeping.

Ability to:  Communicate professionally and effectively with various segments of the public both orally and in writing; manage grants and/or contracts; interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures; analyze data; prepare various reports and correspondence; maintain good working relationships with co-workers and the public; maintain computerized and hardcopy files of reports, records, and informational material; perform inquiries and investigations in the field; utilize office computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, basic graphics design (such as MS Publisher), database programs, email and scheduling systems, and social media.

Health and Physical Condition:

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for the performance of the duties.

Physical Effort Grouping:  Light

Salary : $5,258