General Statement of Duties

The Environmental Safety Specialist supports the Pretreatment Program by conducting industrial facility inspections, reviewing self-monitoring reports, and auditing documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wastewater regulations. The position may supervise Industrial Waste Inspectors and/or co-op staff, and is responsible for maintaining program databases, analytical records, and statistical reports. Key duties include issuing wastewater discharge permits, initiating enforcement actions when necessary, and coordinating with internal departments, outside agencies, and the regulated community. The specialist will also respond to spills and emergency events and assist in identifying and implementing new technologies to strengthen program performance. Additional duties may be assigned.

This employee performs a variety of activities as they relate to the environmental and/or employee safety aspects of various City programs. Employee performs inspections, investigations, and evaluations of moderately complex operations and facilities for the enforcement of environmental and/or employee health and safety provisions of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Performs related duties as required and other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

Knowledge of:
Biology, chemistry, physics as they apply to environmental management and/or health and safety.
Principles and practices of environmental management and/or health and safety management.
Research and investigation techniques and principles.
City facilities, equipment, materials, and job functions.
Statistical principles and methods.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations pertaining to environmental management and/or health and safety.

Skill to:
Operate computers, monitors, and various instruments in the performance of the job.
Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.

Ability to:
Recommend and implement goals, policies, and procedures for providing effective and efficient environmental or health and safety practice within assigned departments.
Prepare clear and concise analytical and statistical reports.
Inspect moderately complex city facilities, equipment, materials, and employee work practices to determine unsafe conditions or environmental problems
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Recognize hazards and respond with plausible solutions.

Examples of Work Performed

(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)

Conducts on-site inspections and investigations of moderately complex operations and facilities to ensure environmental or safety compliance; notifies departments of environmental or safety problems and monitors corrective action; evaluates needs for safety training and assists in training for assigned departments.
Participates as a member of environmental or safety audit teams performing assessments for safety enhancements, waste minimization, pollution prevention, energy efficiency, cost reductions, improvements in compliance status, and/or mitigation of adverse health/safety or environmental impacts.
Maintains, calibrates, and operates instrumentation and sampling equipment; evaluates employee exposures to chemical, physical, and environmental hazards; monitors environmental quality; responds and assists in resolution of employee health and safety hazards and environmental issues; and provides guidance to assigned departments.
Assists in the preparation of analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities; analyzes reports and provides recommendations; provides input for development of written policies and procedures related to health, safety, and environmental programs; assists in the composition and distribution of internal and other documents as requested by the supervisor; Recommends and assists in the procurement of health and safety equipment to assigned departments.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including outside agencies and the general public.
Interprets and applies federal, state, and local health and safety and/or environmental codes, rules, and regulations to moderately complex operations and facilities in assigned departments.
Participates on a variety of boards and committees; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new regulations, trends, and innovations in the field of environmental management and/or health and safety.
Assists those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner.
If assigned to Health Department: maintain on-call status for hazardous material response team.

Probationary Period

Twelve months

Supervision Exercised

May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical staff.

Required Education and Experience

Each applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major or concentration of courses in the following course areas: Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, Environmental Health, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Health Physics, Biostatistics, Physiology, Toxicology, Epidemiology, Industrial Ventilation, Air Sampling, or a related field.

HR CONTACT: DENISE.BROWNING@CINCINNATI-OH.GOV

Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions:
Travel from site to site; office/field environment; exposure to computer screens, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, toxic materials, potentially hostile environments; human or animal body fluids; waste and infectious materials; work at heights on scaffolding and ladders; work or inspect in confined spaces; work or inspect underground; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; work around heavy construction equipment. May be required to work irregular hours and be subject to call back and/or respond to emergency situations after hours and on weekends.

Physical Conditions:
Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time.

City of Cincinnati

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Environmental Safety Specialist