ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, oversees and administers the City’s storm water program and other related environmental programs or projects through the development and facilitation of various activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public, as well as provides responsible, specialized and complex professional staff assistance to the Environmental Programs Manager/Utilities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plans, organizes and participates in the permitting, monitoring, inspection, enforcement, pollution prevention, and data management activities of the Storm Water Program and other related environmental programs or projects as assigned in accordance with federal, state and local laws and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
• Coordinates the investigation of storm water runoff, industrial related storm water quality problems, as well as complaints and violations of storm water regulations and codes.
• Prepares outreach materials, conducts outreach efforts and trains City staff on storm water and environmental protection provides information to property and business owners, tenants, City employees, and the general public through individual contact in the field, over the counter, at workshops or community events, and by telephone or other appropriate means.
• Coordinates with other City departments to improve levels of compliance with the NPDES permit.
• Prepares notices of violation and compliance schedules in cooperation with violators; prepares and maintains records of investigations and actions taken.
• Coordinates and implements the City’s annual dry weather monitoring program in compliance with its NPDES Storm Water Discharge permit.
• Reviews construction plans to identify storm water discharge sources and best management practices (structural and non-structural) to maximize storm water and water quality protection.
• Evaluates and interprets technical reports, documents, manifests, applications and permits related to environmental regulations and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintains inspection files, records, and logs; writes reports and chronologies; schedules work activities and inspections independently to meet program objectives in a timely manner; maintains records and prepares reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; maintains and updates various databases and filing and record keeping systems for assigned program; participates in researching and collecting data and information for inclusion into database and record keeping systems; conducts surveys; analyzes and interprets data collected; prepares reports and distributes requested information to appropriate parties in a timely manner including reports to regulatory agencies.
• Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and other program requirements for education, inspections, complaint response, watershed activities, water quality monitoring, annual report writing, inter-departmental training and coordination.
• Coordinates actions and/or programs with other agencies, e.g., other cities, the county and state departments, such as coordinating regional inspections, education, or enforcement measures; represents the City at regional meetings; serves as liaison and provides support to assigned program activities with those of other City departments and staff as well as community organizations, the general public, and other groups.
• Prepares and writes compliance reports and associated correspondence to regulatory agencies.
• Researches availability of grant monies for projects related to the department’s responsibilities, as well as writes and administers successful applications.
• Provides training, direction and guidance for City staff as directed by the Environmental Programs Manager/Utilities.
• Provides responsible professional level staff assistance and technical and administrative support to the Environmental Programs Manager/Utilities and other management staff, as well as boards and committees; researches, prepares, and presents technical, fiscal, and administrative studies, surveys, and reports.
• Conducts and represents the City at various meetings and makes presentations to public interest groups, City personnel and others as directed.
• Keeps current with federal, state and local regulations and their impacts on the City’s storm water and environmental quality and protection.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned environmental program area.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations including those affecting NPDES permits, the Storm Water Program, and other environmental permits and programs.
• Permitting, legal, regulatory, and technical requirements of storm water quality management, including Illicit Connection and Illegal Discharge prevention and elimination, best management practices programs, and environmental monitoring and assessment.
• Modern principles and practices of chemistry, biology, microbiology, or environmental protection applicable to storm water, wastewater, hazardous materials or waste, or industrial waste. Laws and ordinances pertaining to storm water and environmental protection.
• Inspection, investigation or code enforcement principles and practices.
• Pollutant detection methodology related to storm water runoff or other wastes.
• Proper use of monitoring, sampling, and basic testing equipment.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Terminology used in area of assignment.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and various software packages.
• Organization and operation of municipal government.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, administer, and evaluate assigned environmental programs or projects.
• Exercise sound judgment to determine environmental program and permit compliance with existing laws and regulations.
• Review documents and reports for completeness and accuracy.
• Perform a full range of responsible advanced professional level analytical, programmatic, and administrative duties in support of assigned programs, functions, and/or department involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for providing assigned program services and activities.
• Conduct accurate and thorough research and prepare clear, complete, accurate, and concise analysis, reports, and recommendations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Use computer applications to assist in performing duties, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation applications.
• Apply procedures and techniques involved in the investigation, documentation, and enforcement of codes and regulations.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Apply procedures and practices for issuing notices of violation and schedules for compliance.
• Analyze and evaluate technical and scientific data, reaching sound conclusions.
• Analyze and evaluate situations, take appropriate action and document violations being investigated.
• Respond to emergency situations involving actual or suspected illegal discharges or spills to the storm drain system or environment.
• Understand the organization and operation of the assigned department, other City departments, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Develop and maintain effective interdepartmental coordination.
• Facilitate, develop, and work with teams and groups on various programs and projects and to create partnerships and coalitions.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Represent the City in a professional manner when working with boards, community groups, and the general public.
• Exercise independent judgment within established policy guidelines.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, environmental science, biology, or a related field.

Experience: Three years of experience in environmental science, physical science, engineering, or related field. Administrative experience related to storm water management, NPDES permit compliance, or other environmental compliance programs is highly desirable.

License or Certificate - Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Within the first year of employment must complete course work related to the authority to write citations equivalent to a California Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) Penal Code 832 course.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field environment. Exposure to dust from paperwork and environment, temperature swings from air conditioning to outdoors. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period with unscheduled breaks. Overtime may be required to attend night and weekend meetings. Work environment is both formal and informal, both team- and autonomy-oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: May 2009
New Classification - MH/Department