Environmental Health Protection Officer

City of Washington; Washington (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Washington is seeking a vigilant environmental specialist to maintain department software, design data sheets, and manage storm water programs. The role includes safety presentations, SHARP investigations, and coordination with developers on best management practices.

The ideal candidate will have an associate degree in a related field and 1+ year of environmental experience, plus relevant licenses within eighteen months. On-site work with city teams and public engagement are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent plus 1+ year environmental experience.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.
• OSHA 30 General Industry Awareness (can obtain within 18 months).
• Stormwater SCM Inspection & Maintenance Certification (can obtain within 18 months).
• Pesticide License (can obtain within 18 months).

Responsibilities

• Maintain system software for the Water Resources Department; design data sheets and write variables for software.
• Plan and prepare department safety presentations; manage SHARP program and investigations.
• Oversee Nutrient Stormwater Program including plan reviews and citizen training.
• Perform site plan reviews, assess impervious surfaces and BMPs; work with developers to implement controls.
• Inspect storm water drainage and identify illicit discharges; coordinate troubleshooting with city departments.
• Collect storm water samples and manage laboratory data and reports.
• Develop and coordinate public education programs to prevent illicit discharges; enforce grass ordinances.
• Enforce grease trap ordinance; inspect restaurants and coordinate remediation.
• Provide information to citizens and contractors; investigate complaints and propose solutions.
• Conduct erosion and sedimentation inspections and coordinate with developers.
• Oversee pesticide application delivery and use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Storm water regulations knowledge

Public speaking

Data analysis and reporting

GIS and mapping familiarity

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Computerized design software

Job description

Summary

Responsible for maintaining system software for the Water Resources Department, planning and preparing department safety presentations and managing the City's Stormwater Nutrient Program. Design data sheets and writing variables to be used with the software. Maintains the software functionality of department computers and troubleshoots initial IT problems. Participates in site plan review and visual inspections throughout the City to institute best management practices regarding storm water management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

• Maintains system software for Water Resources Department by designing Data Sheets and writing variables to be used with the software; maintains the software functionality of department computers; troubleshoots and addresses department computer issues.
• Plans and prepares department safety presentations for employees; functions as the liaison between Risk Management and department; manages SHARP program and conducts accident investigations.
• Manages the City’s Nutrient Stormwater Program conducting plan review and training citizens regarding applicable policies, rules, regulations and laws; enforces program through training and punitive enforcement.
• Participates in site plan reviews to determine the amount of impervious surfaces, treatment of wetlands and related issues; researches a variety of best management practices to mitigate storm water run-off; works with developers and property owners to institute including retention ponds, bio-retention areas, wetlands, vegetative filter strips, etc.
• Inspects the City’s storm water drainage system to identify any illicit discharges; works with property owners and other city departments as needed to trouble‑shoot and mitigate problem areas.
• Collects samples of storm water in effluent and influent areas and transports samples for laboratory analysis; reviews laboratory results and maintains data base; prepares various reports as needed; maintains drawings with updated storm water system information.
• Designs, conducts and coordinates various public education programs to prevent unnecessary and illicit storm water discharges; conducts school programs and wetlands programs; enforces grass ordinance.
• Enforces the grease trap ordinance for the City; inspects restaurants for compliance; issues non-compliance letters; works with businesses and institutions to identify remediation strategies.
• Provides information and interpretation to citizens, contractors, developers and others; investigates complaints; remediates or recommends solutions.
• Conducts erosion and sedimentation inspections; works with developers and contractors on design for controls.
• Manages the delivery and application of various pesticide applications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience

Associate degree or equivalent from two-year College in chemistry, biology, environmental science or closely related field and one or more years related experience in an environmental-related area; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• 30 Hour OSHA General Industry Awareness (ability to obtain within eighteen months)
• Stormwater SCM Inspection & Maintenance Certification (ability to obtain within eighteen months)
• Pesticide License (ability to obtain within eighteen months)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local storm water laws, regulations, trends, programs

and best management and mitigation approaches.

• Knowledge of the grease trap program and related local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of safety programs, OSHA, federal and state safety regulations and hazard prevention.
• Considerable knowledge of computerized design software and hardware.
• Knowledge of the application of information technology, mapping techniques, processes and procedures including GIS and spreadsheet programs and their use.
• Knowledge of mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Knowledge of pesticide application.
• Ability to interpret and apply a variety of laws, ordinances and regulations to developers and property owners and work to obtain best management practices.
• Ability to read, prepare and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and communicate effectively with the general public, contractors and other employees.
• Ability to establish and maintain a variety of manual and digital records and reports.
• Ability to make effective public presentations.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is Medium work requiring exertion of in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Employee must have visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal, perform extensive reading and use measurement devices. Vocal communication required for expressing or exchanging ideas. Hearing is required to carry out oral instructions.

Working Conditions

Work is conducted in both inside and outside environmental conditions. Employee is subject to hot and cold temperatures as well as hazards, including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current and exposure to chemicals. Employee is subject to atmospheric and environmental conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation and wastewater effluent. Employee is required to wear PPE as necessary, appropriate and required.