Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Environmental Specialist - Compliance & Water Quality
Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Winter Haven, Florida, United States, 33884
Job Description
UTILITIES DIVISION - ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I, II, III (COMPLIANCE & WATER QUALITY)
PAYGRADE 13, 14, 16 NON-EXEMPT
$46,550 - $78,124 SALARY RANGE
Employee Benefits Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks Medical, Dental, Vision Life Insurance FRS Retirement 10 Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement Education Incentives Deferred Compensation Plan Wellness Incentives Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free Employee Gym Free Employee Health Clinic Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Performs work of a specialized, responsible, and professional nature implementing the County's Compliance and Water Quality Program and projects designed to ensure all County water, wastewater, reclaimed water and associated facilities are compliant with relevant federal, state, and local regulations and County policies.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
The employee will be expected to conduct field inspections of water and/or wastewater facilities and systems as necessary to support assigned programs and will systematically store records on correspondence, inspections, and laboratory data. Assigned programs may include:
Permit Compliance Water Use and Wastewater Permitting Water Quality Sampling Environmental Monitoring Stormwater Inspections Auxiliary Storage Tank Compliance Above Ground Storage Tank Compliance Additional responsibilities include:
Scheduling industrial facility inspections, compliance monitoring, water quality sampling, and similar field activities related to facility compliance and permitting activities. Tracking any required and in-house sampling results that may indicate a potential trend toward non-compliance and completing required reporting to appropriate staff. Tracking flow quantities for indications that may indicate a potential trend toward non-compliance and completing required reporting to appropriate staff. Recommending grant opportunities to pursue related to non-funded mandates, evaluating the benefits of cost expenditures, writing documentation in support of applications, preparing progress reports and other reports required for fulfillment of grant contracts. Maintaining multiple specified databases and records, reviewing the data entered for quality control and compliance requirements, including that of other employees. Conferring with consultants as directed which may include review of scope items, preparation of documents for County approval of scope proposals, review of invoices and evaluation of consultant performance. Tracking the status of assigned program deadlines to report during the team meetings. Actively participating in the preparation and presentation of notifications to regulatory agencies, briefings to county administration and educational information to the public. Performing simple field repairs of field equipment and preventative maintenance of monitoring equipment and team vehicles (i.e., washes, cleans, and schedules for required vehicle repairs). Utilizing personnel safety and skills training within the guides of the Department's training policy. May assist, train, and provide input on the evaluation of other team members' performance. Performs other related duties as required. Job descriptions are subject to change by the County as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.
Work responsibility is a combination of office (60%) and field (40%). Significant field and office tasks may be required during nontraditional work hours including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends in accordance with public event schedules and customer needs. In addition, the employee may be required to present sworn testimony and evidence during court hearings.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
This position requires a high degree of integrity and honesty in investigating, documenting and reporting compliance issues related to water and wastewater permits in the Utilities Division. The knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to fulfill this role:
Strong understanding of relevant regulations, regional water conservation practices and water restrictions, water efficiency technologies, data analysis software. Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of current and emerging environmental issues, resource regulations, enforcement strategies and familiarity with basic grant funding processes. Leadership and Management: Skills in planning, organizing, directing work, and developing effective working relationships. Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, regulatory agencies, and the public. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and resolve compliance issues and confrontational people. Computer Skills: Proficiency with software for data analysis, report preparation, and database management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of application.
Environmental Specialist I:
Graduate of an accredited two-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a degree is not presented, six years of relevant work experience will be required.
Environmental Specialist II:
Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, four years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, eight years of relevant work experience will be required.
Environmental Specialist III:
Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of four years related program working experience with at least six months of supervisory experience or training. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, six years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, ten years of relevant work experience will be required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist I
Must complete at least one of the following within the first year: Complete Fundamentals of Code Enforcement certification, Field Sampling Short School, FDEP SOP Training, Wastewater Treatment Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Fats, Oils, & Grease course or Introduction to Reading Real Property Descriptions. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist II
Must have two of the certifications above and pass at least one of the following within the first year: Industrial Pretreatment (Class C), Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement certification, Sediment and Erosion Control "Qualified Storm Water Inspector" or FWS NCTC Wetland Plant Identification class. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist III
Must have four of the certifications above and pass at least one of the following within the first year: Fats, Oils, & Grease (Level II), Legal Issues Code Enforcement certification, Wetland Delineation Training, Water Treatment Plant Operations (Class C Course), Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations (Class C Course), Water Distribution Operator (Level 3 Course), or Wastewater Collections (Class C Course). Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses.
UTILITIES DIVISION - ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I, II, III (COMPLIANCE & WATER QUALITY)
PAYGRADE 13, 14, 16 NON-EXEMPT
$46,550 - $78,124 SALARY RANGE
Employee Benefits Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks Medical, Dental, Vision Life Insurance FRS Retirement 10 Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement Education Incentives Deferred Compensation Plan Wellness Incentives Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free Employee Gym Free Employee Health Clinic Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Performs work of a specialized, responsible, and professional nature implementing the County's Compliance and Water Quality Program and projects designed to ensure all County water, wastewater, reclaimed water and associated facilities are compliant with relevant federal, state, and local regulations and County policies.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
The employee will be expected to conduct field inspections of water and/or wastewater facilities and systems as necessary to support assigned programs and will systematically store records on correspondence, inspections, and laboratory data. Assigned programs may include:
Permit Compliance Water Use and Wastewater Permitting Water Quality Sampling Environmental Monitoring Stormwater Inspections Auxiliary Storage Tank Compliance Above Ground Storage Tank Compliance Additional responsibilities include:
Scheduling industrial facility inspections, compliance monitoring, water quality sampling, and similar field activities related to facility compliance and permitting activities. Tracking any required and in-house sampling results that may indicate a potential trend toward non-compliance and completing required reporting to appropriate staff. Tracking flow quantities for indications that may indicate a potential trend toward non-compliance and completing required reporting to appropriate staff. Recommending grant opportunities to pursue related to non-funded mandates, evaluating the benefits of cost expenditures, writing documentation in support of applications, preparing progress reports and other reports required for fulfillment of grant contracts. Maintaining multiple specified databases and records, reviewing the data entered for quality control and compliance requirements, including that of other employees. Conferring with consultants as directed which may include review of scope items, preparation of documents for County approval of scope proposals, review of invoices and evaluation of consultant performance. Tracking the status of assigned program deadlines to report during the team meetings. Actively participating in the preparation and presentation of notifications to regulatory agencies, briefings to county administration and educational information to the public. Performing simple field repairs of field equipment and preventative maintenance of monitoring equipment and team vehicles (i.e., washes, cleans, and schedules for required vehicle repairs). Utilizing personnel safety and skills training within the guides of the Department's training policy. May assist, train, and provide input on the evaluation of other team members' performance. Performs other related duties as required. Job descriptions are subject to change by the County as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.
Work responsibility is a combination of office (60%) and field (40%). Significant field and office tasks may be required during nontraditional work hours including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends in accordance with public event schedules and customer needs. In addition, the employee may be required to present sworn testimony and evidence during court hearings.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
This position requires a high degree of integrity and honesty in investigating, documenting and reporting compliance issues related to water and wastewater permits in the Utilities Division. The knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to fulfill this role:
Strong understanding of relevant regulations, regional water conservation practices and water restrictions, water efficiency technologies, data analysis software. Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of current and emerging environmental issues, resource regulations, enforcement strategies and familiarity with basic grant funding processes. Leadership and Management: Skills in planning, organizing, directing work, and developing effective working relationships. Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, regulatory agencies, and the public. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and resolve compliance issues and confrontational people. Computer Skills: Proficiency with software for data analysis, report preparation, and database management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of application.
Environmental Specialist I:
Graduate of an accredited two-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a degree is not presented, six years of relevant work experience will be required.
Environmental Specialist II:
Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, four years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, eight years of relevant work experience will be required.
Environmental Specialist III:
Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science and have a minimum of four years related program working experience with at least six months of supervisory experience or training. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two-for-one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, six years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, ten years of relevant work experience will be required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist I
Must complete at least one of the following within the first year: Complete Fundamentals of Code Enforcement certification, Field Sampling Short School, FDEP SOP Training, Wastewater Treatment Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Fats, Oils, & Grease course or Introduction to Reading Real Property Descriptions. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist II
Must have two of the certifications above and pass at least one of the following within the first year: Industrial Pretreatment (Class C), Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement certification, Sediment and Erosion Control "Qualified Storm Water Inspector" or FWS NCTC Wetland Plant Identification class. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses. Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist III
Must have four of the certifications above and pass at least one of the following within the first year: Fats, Oils, & Grease (Level II), Legal Issues Code Enforcement certification, Wetland Delineation Training, Water Treatment Plant Operations (Class C Course), Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations (Class C Course), Water Distribution Operator (Level 3 Course), or Wastewater Collections (Class C Course). Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses.