Job Summary
Are you ready to put boots on the ground and be an active participant in the protection of environmental quality for residents of Travis County? If so, Travis County is hiring for an Environmental Specialist.
This position will perform primarily field inspections and assessments for compliance with County Codes and standards for water quality protection. This includes and is not limited to the inspection of development permit construction, water quality ponds, County construction and maintenance activities as well as general complaint response. Knowledge and skill in applying the following principles and standards effectively: Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3s), erosion and sediment controls, hydraulics, drainage and permanent water quality engineering design; construction methods, specifications; local soils, vegetation, and ecology; other applicable Local , State, Federal environmental codes and standards. Ability to communicate effectively in writing or verbal with other County staff, consultants, contractors, other agencies, the public; Prepares detailed technical reports, documentation.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This position may support one or more of the following program areas: Hazardous materials management, hazardous waste management and cleanup, pesticide use and management, household hazardous waste and other special wastes; Solid waste management, recycling, responsible purchasing; Storm water management, erosion and sedimentation controls; Water quality monitoring, assessment, regulation, compliance and policy; Air quality monitoring, assessment regulation, compliance and policy; Land acquisition in support of endangered species protection or other natural resources program; Grant development and administration; Environmental policy and legislative analysis; and Compliance and civil enforcement across multiple program areas. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops, implements, performs duties of and/or administers countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs. Includes planning, processing and evaluating projects and activities in support of the programs. Manages multiple projects and activities within authorized scope, schedule and budget.
- Coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community, stakeholders and the general public. Serves as departmental liaison for the designated program.
- Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations. Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community.
- Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas of program specialization. Prepares requests for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with vendors, and manages approved contracts in accordance with authorized scope, schedule and budget. Develops purchase requests for required supplies and services.
- Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares written reports. Presents findings and reports to department staff and management, other agencies, the Commissioners Court and the public.
- Conducts education and outreach to the general public by participating in information meetings, trainings, and conferences to explain issues related to the programs goals. Represents the department by working closely with groups, community members and organization representatives
- Assists in preparing and submitting grant applications for new and continued funding of programs through Federal, State, Local and County sources.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Technical Writing or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in the program specialization areas listed above;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Depending on program specialization assigned to, may require certification in one of the following designated specialty fields, such as: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, International Erosion Control Association (IECA) certification (e.g. Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector, CESSWI), Pest Control Applicator License, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
Preferred
- Bachelor's Degree in natural or environmental sciences/studies, civil engineering, or a related field.
- Holds a valid license as either a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC); Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI); Certified Inspector of Erosion and Sediment Control (CIESC).
- Combination of experience, education, and training equivalent to two years or more experience in the design or field inspection of stormwater pollution control Best Management Practices (BMPs), including: permanent water quality systems, erosion and sediment control, and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3s).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of:- Standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of designated program and area of specialization.
- Scientific principles and techniques related the assigned area of environmental specialization.
- Federal, State, Local and County applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
- Principles, practices and techniques of project management.
- Research and data analysis techniques.
- Principles of data, document and records management.
- Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages including geographic information systems.
- Technical writing, report writing and preparation, business letter writing, grammar and punctuation.
- Legislative economic, technological and industry trends applicable to the designated areas of program specialization.
- Local wildlife, native species, natural resources issues;
Skill in:- Use of biological monitoring, environmental assessment, and wildlife control equipment and instruments.
- Use of field techniques, equipment and instruments appropriate to the area of specialization.
- Data analysis.
- Geographic Information Systems, including the ability to:
- create maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment;
- compile geographic data from a variety of sources which may include censuses, field observation, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps;
- retrieve stored maps, manage shape files and other GIS data.
- Data management techniques.
- Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
- Problem-solving and decision-making.
- Verbal and written communication.
Ability to:- Manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, develop and implement environmental research and projects.
- Meet deadlines and produce projects in a timely manner while working on several projects at once.
- Work as a team member within a diverse organization.
- Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.
Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, standing, walking/hiking (some rough terrain), carrying, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. May work in extreme temperature/weather change/conditions, and smoke on prescribed or wild fires. Maybe subject to contact with dangerous machinery, fumes, communicable/infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Department: Transportation and Natural Resources
Location: 700 Lavaca St, Austin, TX
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
