Environmental Specialist



JOB CODE: 1358

PAY GRADE: 1170

SALARY RANGE: $33,825 - $57,585

LOCATION OF WORK
Various City-Parish Departments

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible scientific/technical work in the areas of wastewater, sewer pretreatment, solid waste, stormwater regulation, air quality, surface water quality, groundwater quality, and hazardous materials response. Employees of this class are involved in the enforcement of City-Parish environmental ordinances and other environmental requirements mandated by state and federal agencies (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ, etc.). Work is reviewed through periodic conferences and reports. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Inspects potential industrial user sites as directed. Conducts assigned field investigations of permitted facilities to determine possible problems associated with permit enforcement activities; participates in determining compliance with permit conditions or compliance schedules; and recommends remedial action. Conducts sewage and/or stormwater routine/non-routine sampling and monitors for signs of illegal discharge; participates in locating violators of the sewer pretreatment and stormwater ordinances and in controlling illegal discharges to sanitary and storm sewers. Assists in preparation of technical reports and environmental impact reports based on the analysis and evaluation of scientific data secured during inspections, investigations, monitoring, and surveillance activities. Performs assigned environmental inspections and responds to general environmental complaints and spills. Assists in the coordination of activities relating to environmental complaint response and spills; advises local authorities of the status of environmental complaint and spill investigations; provides assistance in the identification, containment, cleanup, storage, and disposal of any materials related to environmental complaints or spills. Inputs reports and data in a timely fashion to ensure databases and other documentation requirements are current and accurate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sewer Pretreatment Ordinance, East Baton Rouge Parish Stormwater Ordinance, and state and federal regulations pertaining to environmental control. Knowledge of EPA and LDEQ regulations. Knowledge of Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) for the City-Parish. Knowledge of Industrial Pretreatment Program Implementation Manual for the City-Parish. Knowledge of Sediment and Erosion Control measures. Knowledge of the Unified Development Code (UDC) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Knowledge of basic scientific methods, sampling techniques, and investigative procedures. Knowledge of basic chemical processes and laboratory procedures involved in environmental testing. Knowledge of safety procedures involved in dealing with hazardous materials spills and toxic substances. Skill in the use of various scientific instruments. Skill in the operation of modern office equipment and in the use of standard computer applications. Ability to maintain current and accurate records and reports. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with industrial users, other City-Parish departments/divisions, and the public. Ability to routinely lift at least 30 pounds. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology, physics or a related field.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Position(s) of this classification may require a valid Louisiana driver's license. If license is required, must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.