Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Environmental Specialist I

Seiu_White_Collar

CCG10

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

S16

Hourly

$22.61

$28.83

$35.05

Job Description

Performs specialized technical field and office work involving research, environmental sampling and inspection and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the stormwater and environmental codes of the City. Work is performed under general supervision and employees are expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the interpretation of applicable codes and EPA regulations. Performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results obtained.

COMPLIANCE AND PUBLIC AWARENESS (Fats, Oil & Grease Management): Performs specialized technical field and office work involving research, environmental compliance inspections, wastewater stream sampling, analysis and evaluation for industrial, commercial, and domestic pollutants in addition to monitoring water quality. Enforces compliance of the Industrial Surcharge Program and Oil and Grease Management Programs as per environmental codes/regulations of the City, state, and federal Government. Inspections of facilities/properties with oil and grease management devices, credit meters, and private sanitary sewer components. Investigation of public complaints pertaining to possible sanitary discharge into the environment. Emergency responder for sanitary sewer overflows in the community. Performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results obtained.

SEWER EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE (SEM) RECLAIM: Performs specialized technical field and office work involving research, cross connection inspection, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with Reclaimed Specifications. Work is performed under general supervision and employees are expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in interpretation of applicable codes and FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) regulations. Performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results obtained.

WETLANDS: Performs specialized technical field and office work involving research, environmental sampling, and land management activities to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations pertaining to wetlands. Work is performed under general supervision and employees are expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in interpretation of applicable permits and FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) regulations. Performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results obtained.

Minimum Qualifications:

COMPLIANCE AND PUBLIC AWARENESS: Associate's Degree with major coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field, and six (6) months of experience in code enforcement field, engineering field, industrial pretreatment field, laboratory field, wastewater treatment field, or water quality field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Florida Industrial Pretreatment Association (FIPA) Level ""C"" Certificate (Pretreatment Facility Inspection Certificate) required or must obtain FIPA ""C"" Certification within one (1) year of employment. Valid Florida Driver's License required. Some positions may require a GOAA Secure Area Access I. D. badge within ninety (90) days of hire.

STORMWATER: Associate's Degree with major coursework in chemistry, biology, limnology, environmental engineering or related field and six (6) months experience in environmental science, preferably including field experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association Stormwater C Certificate, Florida Stormwater Association Stormwater Operator Level 1 Certificate, or equivalent. Florida Stormwater, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector Certification, or equivalent, and a Boating Safety Course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission required within one (1) year of employment. Valid Florida Driver's License required.

SEWER EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE (SEM) RECLAIM: Associate's Degree with major coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field and one (1) year of public utilities experience preferably in a potable or reclaimed water distribution environment; or an equivalent combination of training or experience. Must obtain Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association “Reclaimed Water Site Inspector” Certificate within one (1) year of employment. A GOAA Secure Area Access I. D. badge is required within ninety (90) days of hire. Valid Florida Driver's License required.

WETLANDS: Associate's Degree with major coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field and two (2) year experience in the environmental industry; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, or Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biology, limnology, environmental engineering or related field and six (6) months experience in environmental science, preferably including field experience. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle within the State of Florida.

LAND MANAGEMENT: AA or AS degree with one (1) year experience in the management of environmental lands, wetlands, or wetland treatment systems. Must possess both current Aquatic Pesticide Applicator’s License and current Aquatic Herbicide Applicators license. Experience with demucking, prescribed fire, chemical applications, herbicide applications, maintenance of equipment and small engines, water quality sampling techniques and SOPs required.

Valid Florida Driver's License required.

Additional Qualifications for Promotion:

Promotions are not to be considered an automatic function of longevity and are subject to the review and authorization of the Supervisor. The employee’s last performance review must have resulted in an overall rating of Meets standards or better with no factor rating of less than meets.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Performs sampling of stormwater, groundwater, lake water, and surface water, soils and pollutants at various City projects, inspection of cooling towers and sites as required by permits from regulatory agencies.

Coordinates and conducts inspections and enforces stormwater and environmental codes; monitors industrial discharges to determine/evaluate processes and raw materials used in existing pretreatment, and potential for toxic waste discharge; monitors underground fuel tank storage for impact on environment.

Develops and maintains computer database for credit meter program and special projects, creates spreadsheets using a computerized program.

Maintains detailed records of sampling time, location, and method used, laboratory results and field investigation data; analyzes data to determine if a violation of applicable City, State or Federal regulations has occurred; enters data into computer database.

Participates in stormwater and environmental non-compliance, sewer connection investigations including erosion and sediment control, documents investigations, maintains related records, and prepares reports as required. Issues code violation citations and presents enforcement cases before the code enforcement board.

Participates in various projects/studies such as stormwater discharge, erosion control and shoreline restoration and other special projects.

Explains applicable environmental codes and regulations, types and amounts of waste that can be discharged into stormwater collection system, and recommends methods to reduce pollutant discharge concentrations; answers questions from other City Bureaus and the public on environmentally related subjects or refers them to correct agency to verify.

Performs field inspections of septic to sewer conversions to assure proper coding.

Investigates complaints concerning ordinance violations, participates in non-compliance investigations and recommends or initiates code violation citations, documents investigations, and maintains related records.

Performs sampling for industrial, commercial and domestic Pollutants to monitor quality and enforce the industrial waste surcharge program.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Environmental Control (Reclaim) -
Conducts reclaimed water inspections; new customer orientation and advises customers of the proper usage of reclaimed water; conducts field inspections and reviews backflow prevention device test reports as required and makes recommendations.

Conducts inspections of residential and commercial reclaimed water systems to insure proper reclaimed water usage.

Maintains copies of written reports and summaries of communications relating to the Cross-Connection Control Program.

Maintains records on variances or exceptions granted by the Department Director. Interprets State and Local laws, ordinances, regulations, and gives technical advice and assistance to associates.

Responds to trouble calls, leaks and line breaks. Makes necessary repairs and prepare the appropriate overflow reports and maintenance records.

Repairs, paints, and maintains meter assemblies and other reclaimed water appurtenances.

Documents inspection findings and maintains copies of written reports and summaries of communications relating to the Cross-Connection Control Program.

Conducts field inspections and review backflow prevention device test reports as required and makes recommendations.

Keeps current with State and Local laws, ordinances, regulations on reclaimed water.

Attends various meetings as assigned.

Responds to emergencies i.e. line breaks, leaks and complete required reports.

Responds to customer complaints i.e. no water, low pressure.

Makes repairs to damaged infrastructure.

Installs new infrastructure if needed.

Documents time and material for each job using work order system.

Performs preventive maintenance on various appurtenance. i.e. meters, air release valves, valves, meter assemblies and meter boxes.

G.P.S Reclaimed appurtenance for mapping purposes.

Reads meters monthly for billing purposes.

Assists in sampling events and Industrial facility inspections if needed.

Assists in environmental projects when called upon.

Performs irrigation maintenance and repair.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Basic knowledge of various aquatic vegetation and wildlife.

Knowledge of codes, ordinances, rules and regulations governing environmental management and ability to enforce same.

Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and terminology of environmental management.

Knowledge of field sampling techniques, equipment, and chemicals.

Knowledge of biological sciences and their relationship to environmental quality and land use.

Proficient knowledge of wastewater operations and its impact on the environment to ensure proper billing.

Excellent analytical and customer service skills.

Ability to operate computer to enter, retrieve data and utilize spreadsheet programs.

Ability to communicate, both in writing and orally, and explain codes to public (I.e. inspections and presentations.

Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret scientific data.

Ability to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business representatives, legal staff, governmental agencies and the general public.

Ability to lift manhole covers, move sampling equipment, climb industrial stairways, load equipment, perform field inspections, launch and operate boats and 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Ability to read and interpret environmental codes and ordinances.

Ability to perform work under adverse weather conditions.

Some knowledge of the practices and methods of accounting.

Some knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to financial record keeping for municipal government.

Ability to perform mathematical computations and use computerized financial applications and/or using a standard office calculator with speed and accuracy.

Ability to enter detailed data in computerized system with accuracy and generate required reports.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. to open manholes in the collection system.

Environmental Control (Reclaim) -

Mechanical knowledge and ability as well as administrative capabilities relating to reclaimed water distribution system management.

Knowledge of operation, construction, and repair of water distribution systems.

Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times when dealing with the public in high stress situations.

Ability to review plans and have general understanding of construction management.

Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals, governmental laws, and regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to set-up and maintain a filing system.

Customer relations expertise is desired.