Environmental Specialist, (A263860-1), 208, Hazardous Materials

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Laredo, Texas, seeks a professional to oversee inspections of environmental areas, enforce regulations, and manage contracts. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least one year of related experience. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills in both English and Spanish, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Competitive benefits and an engaging work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of experience in the environmental field.
• Must obtain Texas Driver License within 6 months if holding an out-of-state license.
• Certification in hazardous materials through Texas Department of State Health Services must be obtained within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inspections of creeks, ponds, storm channels, and wetlands.
• Develop and enforce environmental guidelines and practices.
• Audit and correct stormwater fees; review residential and commercial revenue.
• Prepare and present contract bids to companies for maintenance contracts.

Skills

Mathematics

Customer service delivery

Organization and time management

Attention to detail

Solving complex problems

Effective communication in English and Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Oversees inspections of creeks, ponds, storm channels, and wetlands in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Oversees fulfillment of maintenance contracts, identifies, and solves environmental violations, and audits stormwater fees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Remains updated on local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Develops and enforces environmental guidelines and practices. Identifies and solves environmental violations. Assists with City 3‑1‑1 complaints.
• Communicates with warehouse owners regarding ordinances and requirements for compliance and operation; verifies permit applications for required documentation and compliance. Oversees permit renewals; ensures permits are maintained and up to date.
• Reviews and verifies inspections and files for completeness and accuracy.
• Prepares and presents contract bids to companies interested in maintaining City’s creeks, ponds, and wetlands, including obtaining, maintaining, modifying, and renewing environmental contracts.
• Audits and corrects stormwater fees; reviews residential and commercial revenue for accurate and reliable monthly reports.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Hazardous materials, storage, and chemical compatibilities
• Local, state, and federal regulations, ordinances, and permit requirements
• Basic accounting practices
• Modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software, such as Microsoft Office
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Mathematics
• Customer service delivery
• Organization and time management
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Attention to detail
• Solving complex problems
• Performing duties with minimal supervision
• Working under pressure and in hot, noisy conditions
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing, in English and Spanish
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Meeting schedules and deadlines

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Vehicles

Frequently

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Exposures

Seldom

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• National travel

Sometimes:

• Regional travel

Frequently:

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience in the environmental field.

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Valid Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out‑of‑state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Code Enforcement & Texas A&M Engineering Hazardous Material Certification (Must be obtained within 12 months of employment.)

Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety‑sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled test and/or interview.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.