Environmental Specialist
- Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
- Alachua County, FL
- 135 views
Full-time
Job Description
Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, natural science, or a related field and one year of related environmental experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Position SummaryThis is an entry-level professional position that may include work in any of the following areas depending on the hiring division: coordination and performance activities of environmental programs, compliance review and inspection of environmentally affected sites, implementation of land management activities and environmental site evaluation, environmental regulation research, field sampling and testing, hazardous materials collection or management, public education activities, and record-keeping and data coordination.
Depending on the hiring division, the employee assigned to this classification may be responsible for conducting various compliance reviews and inspections, field sampling, drafting enforcement action, reviewing data for permits, testifying at administrative hearings, assessing, monitoring and managing natural areas as needed. Responsibilities will vary according to division assignment within the Environmental Protection Department (EPD): Water Resources, Pollution Prevention or Land Conservation; or Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department (SWRR): Hazardous Waste.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher level professional supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.Examples of Duties
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
May conduct periodic compliance inspections of areas, facilities, and/or activities that come under environmental regulation and review permit and compliance status.
At the direction of supervisor, investigates complaints from citizens regarding alleged hazardous or unsafe environmental conditions.
Researches and assists in development of new and/or existing environmental regulations and education materials.
Operates, as required, motor vehicles (including departmental motor vehicles), as well as small equipment and machinery in order to carry out various Environmental Protection operations.
May assist with land acquisition and stewardship activities such as controlled burns, exotic plant control, field inspections, and environmental monitoring.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
Water Resources Division
Performs inspections of groundwater wells, surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities and other environmentally affected sites for compliance with regulations or planning or monitoring purposes.
Prepares data summaries and reports including tables, charts, spreadsheets, maps and databases for evaluation and tracking of environmental data.
Reviews project plans, specifications, and/or permit applications at the direction of supervisor for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Refers unsuccessful enforcement attempts to supervisor for review and follow-up. May draft Warning Notices if needed.
Operates environmental monitoring equipment according to standard operating procedures and documents data and field measurements.
Assists with special projects and grants for water quality and water conservation which may involve data collection, summary, and report writing.
Assists with implementation of the Alachua County Water Quality Code, including irrigation elements.
Assists with public outreach programs.
Pollution Prevention Division for EPD (includes Petroleum Management and Hazardous Materials) and Hazardous Waste Collection Division for SWRR:
Collects, receives and processes for proper recycling/disposal hazardous wastes, household and automotive chemicals, paints solvents and electronic scrap from households and small businesses.
Inspects and maintains hazardous waste collection areas to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures in order to maintain safe and environmentally responsible handling of hazardous materials.
Operates, on a frequent basis, a forklift and truck to transport drums of hazardous waste materials.
Coordinates the request for and receipt of information necessary to obtain operating, installation and closure permits.
Performs emergency spill response as required for hazardous materials or petroleum product spills in support of first responders to coordinate remediation of spills.
Land Conservation Division
Implements land stewardship activities on Alachua County natural areas under higher-level supervision, including exotic plant control, prescribed burning, forestry, data collection, site development, monitoring, maintenance and security.
Prepares data summaries and reports including tables, charts, spreadsheets, maps and databases for evaluation and tracking of environmental data.
Reviews project plans, specifications, and/or permit applications at the direction of supervisor for project implementation.
Operates environmental monitoring equipment according to standard operating procedures and documents data and field measurements.
Assists with drafting scopes of services and overseeing contractors.
Evaluates natural areas for acquisition and management; performs conservation easement compliance inspections and public outreach activities.
Assists with the development of management plans and outreach materials.
Operates and transports light or medium equipment such as farm tractors to prep lines for prescribed burning and/or debris clean up, chippers, and skid steer for restoration projects in addition to small equipment such as chainsaws.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of codes, laws and environmental program rules and requirements related to area of environmental coverage.
Knowledge of environmental sampling techniques, sampling equipment and quality control procedures in field activities applicable to Water Resources and Land Conservation divisions within the Environmental Protection Department .
Knowledge of local, state and federal rules, regulations and ordinances related to environmental protection.
Knowledge of local flora and fauna, as it relates to Land Conservation division within the Environmental Protection Department.
Knowledge of computer, word processing and data management programs and Geographic Information Systems as applicable.
Skill in dealing effectively with facility owners, governmental officials and citizens.
Skill in the operation of motor vehicles.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and compile routine reports and maintain accurate records.
Ability to operate field monitoring, sampling, and/or material handling equipment including a forklift after a suitable training period.
Ability to implement resource management techniques, utilize related equipment and follow safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, other governmental agencies and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee occasionally is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.
The employee may perform field work in inclement weather and harsh conditions such as wet areas and dense brush with biting insects, venomous animals or irritating plants.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Acceptable (equivalent) Education/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, natural science, or a related field and 1 year environmental and/or hazardous waste experience. (5 years total)
- Associate's degree (2 years) and 3 years environmental and/or hazardous waste experience. (5 years total)
- High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years environmental and/or hazardous waste experience. (5 years total)
For the Hazardous Waste Division of the Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
- Must obtain the DOT Forklift Certification within six (6) months of hire into this position and maintain the certification for duration of employment; this training is provided by the County.
- Must obtain the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPR) Certification within six (6) months of hire into this position and maintain the certification for duration of employment; this training is provided by the County.
Position SummaryThis is an entry-level professional position that may include work in any of the following areas depending on the hiring division: coordination and performance activities of environmental programs, compliance review and inspection of environmentally affected sites, implementation of land management activities and environmental site evaluation, environmental regulation research, field sampling and testing, hazardous materials collection or management, public education activities, and record-keeping and data coordination.
Depending on the hiring division, the employee assigned to this classification may be responsible for conducting various compliance reviews and inspections, field sampling, drafting enforcement action, reviewing data for permits, testifying at administrative hearings, assessing, monitoring and managing natural areas as needed. Responsibilities will vary according to division assignment within the Environmental Protection Department (EPD): Water Resources, Pollution Prevention or Land Conservation; or Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department (SWRR): Hazardous Waste.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher level professional supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.Examples of Duties
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
May conduct periodic compliance inspections of areas, facilities, and/or activities that come under environmental regulation and review permit and compliance status.
At the direction of supervisor, investigates complaints from citizens regarding alleged hazardous or unsafe environmental conditions.
Researches and assists in development of new and/or existing environmental regulations and education materials.
Operates, as required, motor vehicles (including departmental motor vehicles), as well as small equipment and machinery in order to carry out various Environmental Protection operations.
May assist with land acquisition and stewardship activities such as controlled burns, exotic plant control, field inspections, and environmental monitoring.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
Water Resources Division
Performs inspections of groundwater wells, surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities and other environmentally affected sites for compliance with regulations or planning or monitoring purposes.
Prepares data summaries and reports including tables, charts, spreadsheets, maps and databases for evaluation and tracking of environmental data.
Reviews project plans, specifications, and/or permit applications at the direction of supervisor for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Refers unsuccessful enforcement attempts to supervisor for review and follow-up. May draft Warning Notices if needed.
Operates environmental monitoring equipment according to standard operating procedures and documents data and field measurements.
Assists with special projects and grants for water quality and water conservation which may involve data collection, summary, and report writing.
Assists with implementation of the Alachua County Water Quality Code, including irrigation elements.
Assists with public outreach programs.
Pollution Prevention Division for EPD (includes Petroleum Management and Hazardous Materials) and Hazardous Waste Collection Division for SWRR:
Collects, receives and processes for proper recycling/disposal hazardous wastes, household and automotive chemicals, paints solvents and electronic scrap from households and small businesses.
Inspects and maintains hazardous waste collection areas to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures in order to maintain safe and environmentally responsible handling of hazardous materials.
Operates, on a frequent basis, a forklift and truck to transport drums of hazardous waste materials.
Coordinates the request for and receipt of information necessary to obtain operating, installation and closure permits.
Performs emergency spill response as required for hazardous materials or petroleum product spills in support of first responders to coordinate remediation of spills.
Land Conservation Division
Implements land stewardship activities on Alachua County natural areas under higher-level supervision, including exotic plant control, prescribed burning, forestry, data collection, site development, monitoring, maintenance and security.
Prepares data summaries and reports including tables, charts, spreadsheets, maps and databases for evaluation and tracking of environmental data.
Reviews project plans, specifications, and/or permit applications at the direction of supervisor for project implementation.
Operates environmental monitoring equipment according to standard operating procedures and documents data and field measurements.
Assists with drafting scopes of services and overseeing contractors.
Evaluates natural areas for acquisition and management; performs conservation easement compliance inspections and public outreach activities.
Assists with the development of management plans and outreach materials.
Operates and transports light or medium equipment such as farm tractors to prep lines for prescribed burning and/or debris clean up, chippers, and skid steer for restoration projects in addition to small equipment such as chainsaws.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of codes, laws and environmental program rules and requirements related to area of environmental coverage.
Knowledge of environmental sampling techniques, sampling equipment and quality control procedures in field activities applicable to Water Resources and Land Conservation divisions within the Environmental Protection Department .
Knowledge of local, state and federal rules, regulations and ordinances related to environmental protection.
Knowledge of local flora and fauna, as it relates to Land Conservation division within the Environmental Protection Department.
Knowledge of computer, word processing and data management programs and Geographic Information Systems as applicable.
Skill in dealing effectively with facility owners, governmental officials and citizens.
Skill in the operation of motor vehicles.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and compile routine reports and maintain accurate records.
Ability to operate field monitoring, sampling, and/or material handling equipment including a forklift after a suitable training period.
Ability to implement resource management techniques, utilize related equipment and follow safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, other governmental agencies and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee occasionally is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.
The employee may perform field work in inclement weather and harsh conditions such as wet areas and dense brush with biting insects, venomous animals or irritating plants.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits
- Medical/Health Insurance
- Employee Life Insurance
- Florida Retirement System
- Employee Assistance Program
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
- Deferred Retirement Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Roth IRA
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Computer Purchase Program
NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.
You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.
- FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
- TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
- HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday following Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve (IAFF*)
- Christmas Day
- Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)
- 2 Floating Holidays (All non- IAFF employees)
*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.
Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.
Salary
$21.86 Hourly
About Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
Alachua County is located in north central Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 estimate for the county is 247,336. The county seat is Gainesville, home of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.?? The County is known for its diverse culture, local music, tourism and artisans.
Alachua County employees over 1010 full-time employees in a wide variety of areas.
Alachua County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Alachua County gives preference in initial employment to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans.
