Environmental Specialist I, II or III

Environmental Specialist I:

JOB SUMMARY

Actively supports the development, implementation and maintenance of the District’s EH&S Program to ensure compliance with environmental rules and regulations affecting the District’s facilities, operations and activities. Conducts research, performs investigations, provides scientific and technical support and monitors compliance with the District’s EH&S Program. Collects, synthesizes, analyzes and manages environmental data such as wastewater treatment plant effluent data, pollutant emission measurements and soil and water samples. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines and organizational needs, researches and recommends process improvements or solutions to developing issues. Monitors pending environmental rules, reviews draft rules and permits and drafts talking points in support of the development of comments on behalf of the District. Delivers classroom, hands-on and computer-based training on environmental topics. Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

•  Provides scientific or technical support to internal customers.
•  Provides support to the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental policies, procedures and other tools to ensure the District’s compliance with environmental rules and regulations.
• Coordinates site visits, field work, sampling events and similar by outside consultants or other District departments in support of environmental compliance activities.
• Serves as the on-site representative providing oversight to waste pickups, directs hauler and coordinates District personnel and signs waste manifests.
• Conducts inspections, sampling and/or audits for environmental programs. Compiles data and drafts reports and corrective actions.
•  Serves as the Environmental Compliance group’s point of contact for engineering design submittal reviews and coordinates/compiles comments.
• Drafts technical documents or reports. Conducts research.
•  Troubleshoots environmental issues, problems and inquiries and recommends solutions.
• Manages contracts and small projects.
•  Assists other Environmental Specialists as directed by the Environmental Manager.
•  Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

Environmental Specialist II:

JOB SUMMARY

Works proactively to develop, implement and maintain the District’s EH&S Program to ensure the District’s compliance with environmental rules and regulations. Reviews, evaluates and analyzes District facilities, operations and activities for compliance with environmental rules and regulations. Develops/drafts programs, procedures and permit applications to facilitate the District’s compliance with environmental rules, regulations and permits.  Serves as a scientific and technical resource to District staff on compliance with environmental rules and regulations. Monitors pending environmental rules, reviews draft rules and permits and develops/drafts comments on behalf of the District. Develops and delivers classroom, hands-on and computer-based training on environmental topics. Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

• Provide scientific or technical guidance to internal customers.
• Review environmental standards, guidelines, policies and formal regulations to determine the impact to District’s activities, operations and initiatives.
• Develop, implement and maintain, policies, procedures and other tools to ensure the District’s compliance with environmental rules, regulations and permits.
• Collect, synthesize, analyze and report environmental data.
• Communicate scientific or technical information to internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops and training sessions.
• Evaluate compliance issues to determine appropriate regulatory actions and to develop corrective actions.
• Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
• Prepare information or documentation related to regulatory matters.
• Provides project management for small and medium environmental projects/contracts. ]
• Coordinates with regulatory agencies and their representatives.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

Environmental Specialist III:

JOB SUMMARY

Leads the development and implementation of the District's EH&S Program to ensure the District’s compliance with all applicable environmental rules and regulations. Serves as the lead technical resource to District staff for relevant environmental compliance issues.  Responsible for the technical evaluation and analysis of current and emerging environmental legislation, regulations and related programs, their applications and impacts on the environment and District activities. Leads the review and comments on pending regulations potentially affecting the District’s compliance with environmentally related requirements.  Leads the development of the District’s position on legislative, regulatory and technical matters involving environmental compliance.  Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide scientific or technical guidance and coordination to internal and external customers.
• Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures and other tools to ensure the District’s compliance with the environmental rules and regulations.
• Leads the assessment of District projects, activities and operations for applicable permits and other regulatory requirements in a variety of program areas.
• Coordinates the assessment of developing rules and regulations and the development of recommendations on proposed rules.
• Provides project management for medium and large environmental projects/contracts.
• Shares technical information with other agencies and organizations involved in environmental assessment and pollution control.
• Works with the Environmental Manager in administrative, budgeting and tracking efforts.
• Mentors and reviews the work of the Environmental Specialist I and II positions.\
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

− Candidate must possess a bachelor's degree, preferably in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or closely related field.

− Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.

EXPERIENCE

Candidate must possess three (3) years of experience in application or interpretation of environmental rules and regulations. Experience must include conducting environmental audits or inspections, environmental investigation/remediation projects collecting environmental samples, preparing environmental documents and reports or similar activities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

− Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the District’s acceptable guidelines.

− Candidate must obtain a certificate of completion of First Aid and CPR certification within six months of employment and be recertified as required.

− Candidate must obtain the ODH Asbestos Hazard Evaluation Specialist certification in order to collect asbestos samples within six (6) months of employment with re-certification on an annual basis.

TRAINING

− Candidate must complete Radiation Control Technician Training in order to be able to operate radiation monitoring equipment within one (1) year of employment with re-certification on an annual basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

− Candidate must have good understanding of local, state and federal environmental requirements and regulations. Knowledge of chemistry, biology and related sciences.

− Candidate must possess good active listening, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, analytical thinking, time management, computer, tracking/monitoring skills and the ability to balance multiple work tasks concurrently.

− Ability to work productively with a range of stakeholders including internal District staff, third-party consultants, environmental organizations, regulators, engineering professionals and construction staff. Ability to use writing and presentation skills to clearly convey complex concepts to a wide variety of audiences. Ability to use deductive and inductive reasoning.

− Candidate must possess the ability to pay attention to detail, perform work honestly and ethically, be reliable, responsible and dependable, take initiative and work collaboratively with others.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to compare, analyze, synthesize, coordinate, instruct and negotiate. Ability to communicate while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills is required. Physical work will need to be performed, such as standing, walking, talking and hearing. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. on a frequent basis. Position will require visual demands of near acuity, depth perception, color vision and accommodation. While working in the field, the employee may be exposed to extreme weather, wet and/or humid conditions and confined/restricted working environments.

PAY RANGE:  

USD, Commensurate with experience, education and level offered

Environmental Specialist I:

$53,886- $67,358

Environmental Specialist II:

$59,394- $74,244 

Environmental Specialist III:

$65,942- $82,427

NEORSD, an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, recognizing the full range of human differences and similarities. Through our unwavering efforts to leverage the potential of our diversity, we continually strive to build and foster an environment that respects each individual. We encourage and promote innovation, and provide opportunities for all employees to interact, communicate, and realize the full potential of their talents.

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

NEORSD supports the use of hybrid work as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity and better prepares the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for hybrid work. hybrid eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

DISCLAIMER:  The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.

Salary : $53,886 - $67,358