Definition

Under direction, performs a variety of duties in the preparation of documents and/or review of environmental studies for County related projects, land use development, restoration and resource management projects; obtains miscellaneous permits from resources agencies, as required by federal, State, and local environmental regulations; make presentations on environmental compliance issues; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

These job functions apply to Environmental Compliance Specialists I/II. Incumbents at the Environmental Compliance Specialist I level may exercise some of these functions in a learning capacity.

Prepares and/or assists with the preparation and submission of Environmental Checklists and Preliminary Environmental Study Forms, as required by federal, State, and local agencies for the County projects; ensures all appropriate documentation meets requirements for the specific project.
Solicits consultant services to perform a variety of environmental studies; prepares or assists with the preparation of Requests for Proposals; evaluates consultant submissions and provides recommendation for contract award; assists in developing consultant services agreements and administers completed agreements, including confirmation services are performed and invoice processing based on County, State and Federal guidelines.
Reviews, analyzes and prepares findings/critiques on environmental studies relevant to assigned project; prepares written responses regarding environmental issues for review and approval by management; ensures compliance with environmental mandates.
Organizes and/or attends environmental field reviews conducted by federal, State, tribal and local agencies to obtain and provide information on County projects, including independent site inspections of County permitted projects.
Reviews project scopes and prepares cost estimates for environmental work on County projects; monitors project costing for compliance with cost estimates.
Develops proactive solutions to environmental issues and regulatory concerns; meets with a variety of public and government agency representatives regarding environmental concerns and issues; attends and participates in public meetings, including Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings, representing the interests of the County Departments.
Prepares, reviews, and presents Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor staff reports, project updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director, Deputy Director or designated manager.
Establishes and maintains liaisons among the County Departments and other public and private agencies, community organizations, and professional groups; collaborates with surrounding counties and communities on environmental compliance issues.
Prepares and maintains a variety of records and files for assigned projects.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of environmental compliance.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

These qualifications apply to Environmental Compliance Specialists I/II. Incumbents at the Environmental Compliance Specialist I level may exercise some knowledge and skill statements in a learning capacity.

Principles, practices and purpose of a comprehensive environmental compliance program.
Principles related to environmental compliance, transportation engineering/development, restoration, and/or resource management.
Statistical research methods as applied to the collection of data affecting environmental issues.
Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Forest Practice Act, California Endangered Species Act (CESA), Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and/or the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).
Methods and techniques of preparing comprehensive environmental review assessments and reports.
Engineering, surveying, biologic, geologic, hydrologic and property terminology, nomenclatures, practices, methodologies and symbols.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

These abilities apply to Environmental Compliance Specialists I/II. Incumbents at the Environmental Compliance Specialist I level may exercise some of these ability statements in a learning capacity.

Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply environmental compliance related data to various County projects and County permitted projects and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
Perform complex technical writing and develop presentations.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations for County projects and County permitted projects.
Prepare, review and present environmental research studies.
Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Prepare, review, present and interpret administrative policies and ordinances.
Prepare, review, present and administer Requests for Proposal/Qualifications and administer contracts, including confirmation services are performed and invoice processing based on County, State and Federal guidelines.
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Environmental Compliance Specialist I:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in environmental studies, environmental law, environmental planning, natural or physical sciences, resource management, civil or environmental engineering, or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience providing professional support to an environmental compliance program.

Environmental Compliance Specialist II:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in environmental studies, environmental law, environmental planning, natural or physical sciences, resource management, civil or environmental engineering, or a related field.
Five (5) years of experience providing professional support to an environmental compliance program at a level equivalent to an Environmental Compliance Specialist I with Trinity County.
Work experience must include background in preparing successful applications for permits such as:
- Section 404 Permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
- 1602 or 1603 Permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
- Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and Water Discharge Requirements from the State Water Resources Control Board.
- In addition, experience must include work in preparing, reviewing, and processing environmental documents for compliance with local, State and Federal environmental laws including CEQA and NEPA documents, Storm Water Pollution, Prevention Plans, and Mine Reclamation Plans.
Completion of a minimum of 30 units educational training and or college/university courses in environmental studies, environmental regulations, natural or physical sciences, resource planning or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various meeting sites County, region and statewide; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas, including on steep and/or uneven terrain and stream/river crossings, may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment or assistance.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office and outdoor environment with moderate noise levels, temperature conditions ranging from controlled in the office environment to hot, humid, cold, rain, snow in the outdoor environment. Employees may be exposed to dust, hazardous chemicals, and gasses. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from Department Director, Deputy Director or designated management staff. Exercises no supervision of staff; may provide work coordination for support staff assigned to assist with environmental compliance projects and County permitted projects.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Environmental Compliance Specialist I: This is entry and first working level classification responsible for providing professional support to the County’s environmental compliance program. Incumbents have responsibility for performing complex environmental compliance work to facilitate the initiation and completion of County projects and County permitted projects. Some assignments are performed in a training and learning capacity. This class is distinguished from Environmental Compliance Specialist II by the fact that incumbents perform a narrower range of complex assignments, exercising some judgement over environmental issues on an independent basis. Positions at this level receive general direction, instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, are expected to exercise initiative and are expected to be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Environmental Compliance Specialist II: This is the fully experienced, advanced working level in the Environmental Compliance Specialist class series. Incumbents have responsibility for performing a broad range of complex environmental compliance work to facilitate the initiation and completion of County projects and County permitted projects. This class is distinguished from Environmental Compliance Specialist I by the fact that incumbents at the II level exercise considerable judgment over environmental issues, perform a broader range of more complex assignments on a more independent basis requiring previous experience. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are expected to be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SALARY
Environmental Compliance Specialist I:
$5788.74 - $7757.47 per month
Environmental Compliance Specialist II:
$6394.37 - $8569.07 per month

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).

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Environmental Compliance Specialist I