Environmental Specialist

Forsyth County; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Forsyth County seeks an Environmental Specialist to enforce federal, state, and local environmental regulations, focusing on asbestos, solid waste, recycling, open burning and air quality. The role involves inspecting regulated facilities, investigating complaints, and negotiating abatement plans.

You will work in the Community Hygiene Division, supporting public health and environmental protection, coordinating with other agencies and presenting cases when needed.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university in environmental science or a related field.
• At least one year experience in environmental control work or related experience. A higher education level may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated facilities and investigate complaints.
• Enforce federal, state and local environmental regulations (asbestos, solid waste, recycling, air quality).
• Educate public and businesses on best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present cases in district court when necessary.
• Interact with other agencies and community groups to protect health and environment.

Skills

Regulatory enforcement

Environmental inspection

Complaint investigations

Air quality compliance

Open burning control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Performs technical environmental work including enforcement of various environmental regulations governing management of solid waste, recycling, asbestos and inspection of regulated facilities. Enforcing local, state and federal regulations governing pollution emissions, asbestos, solid waste management and recycling.

Distinguishing Features

An employee in this class is responsible for independently performing technical work in specialized areas such as inspection of regulated facilities and activities and complaint investigations. An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing local, state and federal regulations governing solid waste and air quality. Additionally, an employee in this class may provide technical assistance to other agencies, county departments, local municipalities and community groups. Judgment and initiative are required. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated in conferences and by review of records and reports.

Minimum Education And Experience

Graduation from a four-year college or university in environmental science, or a related field, and at least one year experience in environmental control work or related experience. A four-year degree outside of the relevant academic field plus additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Maintain a valid driver's license.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

This position will be a member of the Community Hygiene Division, which is responsible for a wide variety of environmental regulatory and educational activities to protect public health, safety and the environment in our community. The Community Hygiene staff perform routine inspections of regulated facilities, investigate complaints from the public, negotiate reasonable plans of action for abatement of violations, and carry out enforcement actions when necessary, including assessment of civil penalties and preparing and presenting cases in district court.

The primary duties of this Environmental Specialist position will include enforcement of federal, state and local regulations governing asbestos, solid waste, illegal dumping, recycling, open burning, nuisance odors, abandoned vehicles, inspection of dry cleaning businesses and gasoline dispensing facilities, and educating the public and local businesses about best management practices, regulatory compliance, pollution prevention and environmental protection. This position will interact with other government agencies (federal, state and local), professional organizations, community groups, local businesses and individual citizens.

This position will work independently and as a member of a team in a wide variety of environmental regulatory and educational programs to prevent pollution and protect public health and the environment throughout Forsyth County.