Environmental Health Geologist/Engineer

Under direction, provides technical leadership to Environmental Health staff and performs professional duties related to the review of engineering work associated with surface and subsurface investigations; hydrogeology and groundwater remediation and the analysis of the type, classification, and characteristics of soils and groundwater contamination.

• Reviews reports and ensures investigations by professionals in the field are compliant with applicable laws and regulations;
   
• Evaluates the effectiveness of corrective actions at contaminated sites;
   
• Reviews soil and groundwater sampling methods and procedures, well designs and installations, soil characteristics, stratigraphy and movements and quality of water;
   
• Provides technical guidance and training to staff investigations relating to the release of contaminants;
   
• Reviews the technical response of staff on the investigation of sites with contaminated soil and groundwater;
   
• Assigns, trains and evaluates professional, paraprofessional and technical staff;
   
• Prepares documents for responsible parties, and other regulatory agencies, on the necessity and validity of proposed and completed work;
   
• Reviews hydrogeological reports, diagrams and reports at solid waste facilities or land use project sites, and source capacity reports relative to private or small private water systems;
   
• Oversees soil, groundwater and waste site remediation projects and monitors consultants and contractors working for responsible parties;
   
• Prepares and provides informational literature explaining policies and procedures to representatives of industry, the general public, governmental agencies and subordinate staff;
   
• Identifies and evaluates the most significant aspects of contaminant transport that control the movement and fate of petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants and their constituents in the subsurface and to the atmosphere;
   
• Assesses risk presented to public health and the environment from the release of pollutants to soil and groundwater;
   
• Performs field inspections to ensure work is performed within approved work plans and site cleanup requirements and to observe soil and groundwater sampling procedures;
   
• Collects, analyzes and interprets a variety of engineering, geologic and hydrogeological data and statistics;
   
• Approves cleanup plans and evaluates remedial technology recommendations for facility closure;
   
• Conducts meetings with responsible parties, staff and other agencies;
   
• Organizes and maintains project files; develops and maintain database and computer files;
   
• Prepares written and oral reports for department management and for other government agencies on the status of various cleanup project in progress;
   
• Performs related duties as required.

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Civil Engineering or a closely related field.


Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience involving duties in contaminated subsurface site assessment and mitigation.
 
Valid California registration as a Professional Geologist, Certified Engineering Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist or Professional Civil Engineer.

Special Requirement:
Proof of completion of hazardous waste worker training (HAZWOPER) which meets the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Safety Regulations in accordance with the California Code of Regulations. Incumbents must obtain certification within six (6) months of appointment or vacate the position.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for a County Driver's Permit.

Knowledge of: 

• Advanced principles and practices of geology as applied to site mitigation projects;
   
• Professional geology principles, codes and standards;
   
• Principles and practices of hazardous materials management;
   
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations applicable to underground and aboveground storage tanks and facilities and hazardous materials management and site cleanup;
   
• Chemical and physical characteristics of hazardous materials and their general effect on human health and the environment and water resources;
   
• Fate and transport of contaminants in soil, surface water and groundwater and vapor intrusion;
   
• Standard environmental software applications.

Ability to: 
 

• Interpret and apply local state and federal laws regulations, ordinances, codes and data;
   
• Perform accurate tests, observations and measurements;
   
• Provide professional geological expertise in field investigations;
   
• Prioritize and schedule workloads;
   
• Collect samples of hazardous substances, soil and groundwater;
   
• Read and interpret geologic, soils and hydrologic data submitted by registered geologists, engineering geologists and civil or geotechnical engineers;
   
• Identify hazards and critical issues affecting groundwater quality and supply and recommend corrective actions;
   
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
   
• Prepare and interpret geologic maps and sections;
   
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports and correspondences;
   
• Review and evaluate technical reports and the work of others;
   
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other staff, the public, other County departments and outside agencies.

Salary : $155,871 - $189,950