Environmental Specialist 2 (20046784)

Ohio EPA; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio EPA in Columbus, OH seeks a professional to support the Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization (DERR) with investigations, assessments, and cleanup at hazardous waste sites and contaminated locations across Ohio.

You will assess sites for compliance, coordinate cleanups, review permits, respond to inquiries, and work with agencies to enforce regulations. This role provides technical support and engages with property owners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 12 mos. exp. as Environmental Specialist 1 or equivalent.
• 4 yrs. training or 4 yrs. exp. in relevant engineering/science fields with compliance/inspections experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/chemistry/biology/environmental science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Inspect hazardous waste facilities and contaminated sites for compliance.
• Coordinate division-led cleanups of contaminated sites.
• Initiate enforcement actions when needed and coordinate resolutions with owners.
• Provide technical support and consult on environmental issues at project sites.

Skills

Environmental Services

Engineering

Public Relations

Equipment Operations

Facilities Maintenance & Inspection

Planning and Development

Reasoning

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Customer Focus

Education

12 mos. exp. as Environmental Specialist 1

4 yrs. trg. or 4 yrs. exp. in environmental/physical health sciences

Baccalaureate degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, earth science, or related field

Job description

Where We Need You

Ohio EPA wants you to serve in this role within the Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization (DERR) at our Central Office in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Why We Need You

We’re looking for a motivated professional who thrives in a mission‑driven environment to support DERR with environmental investigations, assessments, and cleanup at a variety of hazardous waste and contaminated sites in Ohio.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll assess and inspect hazardous waste and remedial action sites to ensure they meet state and federal environmental requirements. You’ll coordinate and monitor cleanup projects of contaminated sites and work with staff and regional offices to ensure they meet timelines and objectives. You’ll review technical documents and permit applications for hazardous waste facilities and respond to complaints and inquiries regarding compliance issues and applicable regulations. When necessary, you’ll help bring enforcement actions for sites in violation and work with responsible parties to get them back into compliance. As a subject‑matter expert, you’ll work with property owners, officials, and participants in assessing brownfields and other contaminated sites for cleanup and remedial actions through the state’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP). You’ll also provide staff with technical expertise, consult on environmental issues at project sites, and respond to inquiries from interested parties.

Let’s Break It Down

• Inspect hazardous waste facilities and contaminated sites to ensure compliance with state and federal rules.
• Coordinate division‑led cleanups of contaminated sites through state and federal programs.
• Initiate enforcement actions when needed and work with responsible parties to resolve non‑compliance issues.
• Provide technical support to staff and consult with property owners and interested parties on hazardous waste management and cleanup projects.

Job Skills

Environmental Services, Engineering, Public Relations, Equipment Operations, Facilities Maintenance & Inspection, Planning and Development, Reasoning, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Customer Focus

Agency Overview

Who We Are:

We’re the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a regulatory organization that’s committed to protecting the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. (We do this through some innovative, interesting, and fun work!)

Work Location

Lazarus Government Center

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$31.47 - $46.08

Schedule

Full-time

Union

OCSEA

Technical Skills

Engineering, Environmental Services, Equipment Operations, Planning and Development, Public Relations, Facilities Maintenance & Inspection

Professional Skills

Customer Focus, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Qualifications & Eligibility

• 12 mos. exp. as Environmental Specialist 1, 85861.
• OR 4 yrs. trg. or 4 yrs. exp. in position involving engineering or chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, geology or hydrogeology &/or other comparable physical or health science field &/or mathematics which included responsibility for conducting compliance monitoring surveys &/or inspections/reviews or investigations, or review of permit applications relative to oil & gas well operations or injection, annular disposal & saltwater injection wells & enhanced recovery projects or coal mining, or solid/hazardous waste sites or industrial & municipal wastewater dischargers, or collecting, compiling & preparing various environmental assessments, evaluations, reports & related documents. Training & experience must be commensurate with duties to be assigned.
• OR baccalaureate degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, earth science &/or urban & regional planning, geology or other comparable physical or health science fields, with training to be commensurate with duties to be assigned.

THIS POSITION MAY REQUIRE PARTICIPATION IN OHIO EPA'S MEDICAL MONITORING PROGRAM.