Manager, Asbestos Branch North

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Manager IV Job Description: Asbestos North Branch (Position #00058924)

Job/Position Description

Manager IV
Performs moderately complex work overseeing the daily operations of the Asbestos North Branch in the Inspection Unit, Environmental Section. Provides direction and guidance to Environmental Specialists III (inspectors) working in various field offices in the assigned area of the state. Establishes short-term and mid-term goals for the Asbestos North Branch in assigned areas to ensure overall goals for the Inspections Unit, Environmental Section are met. Consults with peers to implement inspection targeting schemes for inspectors to achieve program goals and objectives. Directs complex environmental inspections/investigations and participates in enforcement case development.
Provides technical guidance and training to inspectors. Monitors the performance of inspectors. Plans, assigns, and supervises the activities of assigned inspectors located in offices in strategic locations around the state. Reviews inspection reports to ensure that they are in accordance with Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and U.S. EPA standards/guidelines. Develops job descriptions and performance standards for inspectors and evaluates their performance in accordance with department policies.

Participates in the development of guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations for conducting compliance inspections under Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act (TAHPA), Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Participates in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines for inspectors.

May be required to participate in department emergency responses. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy, and performs other duties as assigned.

(25%) Manages and directs activities of field staff in assigned areas. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of Environmental Specialists III. Establishes short-term and mid-term goals and objectives; develops and/or approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals. Participates in development of guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations, and monitors compliance with policies and procedures. Develops performance standards for assigned inspectors, and conduct performance evaluations in accordance with Department policy. Determines the logistical and supply needs of inspectors and ensure that they are met in a timely manner. Conducts quarterly on-site monitoring of assigned inspectors to ensure compliance with departmental guidelines and evaluate their performance. Facilitates communication between assigned inspectors and the central office.

(15%) Reviews training needs for each employee, and schedule training as necessary and available. Trains new staff by reviewing inspection procedures with new inspectors, providing field training, observing new inspectors while conducting inspection; and providing feedback to the inspector and continuing oversight as needed. Reviews inspection reports submitted by inspectors after the completion of inspections for accuracy to ensure they meet established guidelines. Participates in program meetings to prepare changes to regulatory guides and inspection guides, etc., as needed.

(15%) Reviews monthly activity reports submitted by field inspectors and ensure they are in accordance with LBB reporting guidelines and forwards reports to the program data coordinator for proper record keeping. Reconciles inspections conducted by each inspector to make sure that what is reported in the weekly spreadsheet corresponds with what is reported in the system for tracking inspections.

(10%) Provides technical assistance via telephone or email to the regulated community.

(15%) Directs field AHERA compliance inspections of public and non-profit schools as assigned. Ensures the inspectors review AHERA asbestos plan records, conduct a physical inspection of schools, complete the appropriate checklists, and collect photocopies of records and photographs to substantiate observed deficiencies.

(5%) Represents the program area at meetings, hearings, trials, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees. Participates in settlement conferences on an as needed basis. Acts on behalf of the Unit Director as assigned.

(5%) Reviews training requests submitted by field inspectors to ensure that they are completed in accordance with Departmental guidelines and make appropriate recommendations to management.

(5%) Processes necessary personnel forms, including but not limited to, time and leave, performance reviews, disciplinary action, and job postings. Reviews, checks, and approves time and leave requests, monthly leave certifications, and travel reimbursement requests.

(3%) Oversees special complaint investigations and writes reports as appropriate to the circumstances. Coordinates with other agencies in joint investigations. When requested or necessary, performs highly advanced and complex license inspections, registration inspections, and incident, complaint, and compliance investigations. Submits appropriate reports documenting compliance/noncompliance.

(2%) Maintains required accreditation and fulfills EPA training requirements. Performs other Division, Section, and/or Unit duties as assigned, as a project team leader or member.

Registration Licensure Requirements or Certifications

None

Initial Screening Criteria

Bachelors/master’s degree from a U.S. accredited college/university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Experience in developing and administering a quality control program for a group of employees. Experience in working with a group of inspectors.
Experience in problem solving. Experience in supervising the work of others. Ability to travel at least 25% of the time.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of existing state and federal laws and regulations relevant to asbestos. Knowledge of correct grammar use, spelling and punctuation. Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and functions. Knowledge of employee evaluation procedures. Knowledge of employee selection procedures.

Skill in performing compliance inspections, documenting evidence, collecting environmental samples, and writing reports. Skill in effective communication, both oral and written. Skill in the use of computers, including word processors, spreadsheet software, and databases.

Ability to establish priorities in workloads. Ability to interpret and use technical, scientific, and regulatory data. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and deal with members of the public. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions. Ability to communicate technical information at various levels of understanding. Ability to interact effectively and efficiently with senior managers and state officials. Ability to ensure compliance with administrative policies and procedures. Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures. Knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling and document formatting.

Knowledge of word processing procedures and software packages. Knowledge of data entry and data retrieval from a computerized database.

Knowledge of manual file maintenance and procedures.

Skill in both written and oral communication.

Skill in word processing using Microsoft Word for windows and Outlook.

Skill in the operation of standard office equipment.

Ability to perform basic math principles.

Ability work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to explain policies, regulations, and instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and the public.

Ability to provide courteous and diplomatic customer service.

Ability to prioritize work, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines. Ability to gather data and track status of projects.

Additional Information

The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors unless the selected applicant is internal in which case a 7% increase may be applied for a promotion or a 3.4% increase may be applied when the selected applicant is in the same salary group but different class title and job code.

This position is eligible for telework. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. Employee must provide office furniture and high-speed internet.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form