Environmental Specialist Sr - Public Water

Virginia-Department-of-Healt; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Health seeks an Environmental Specialist Sr - Public Water Systems to lead inspections of groundwater waterworks and ensure compliance with drinking water regulations. You will interpret rules, guide owners and operators, and train staff on operation and maintenance while informing the public about water quality.

The role emphasizes technical guidance, data interpretation, and effective communication at public meetings and in written reports.

Qualifications

• Background in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and math.
• Ability to explain technical information clearly in reports and at meetings.
• Experience interpreting complex regulations at state and federal levels.
• Valid State Driver’s License required for state vehicle operation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and sanitary surveys of groundwater source waterworks.
• Interpret applicable federal and state regulations for owners and operators.
• Provide guidance to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Assist waterworks in returning to compliance when violations occur.
• Train operators on operation and maintenance of waterworks and inform the public about drinking water quality.

Skills

Biology

Microbiology

Chemistry

Mathematics

Water technology

Verbal/written communication

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Waterworks Operator Licensure

Job description

Title: Environmental Specialist Sr - Public Water Systems

State Role Title:Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $53,200 - $63,085

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location:VDH-Central Office

Agency Website:https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Under Section 32.1-167-176 of the Code of Virginia and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is mandated to establish and enforce safe drinking water regulations. These functions are of critical importance to sustaining a program of inspections to ensure continued compliance with state and federal regulations. The Environmental Specialist Sr for Public Water Works position provides technical assistance to primarily groundwater waterworks. Core responsibilities include conducting inspections and sanitary surveys of groundwater source waterworks, interpreting applicable federal and state regulations for waterworks owners and operators, offering guidance to help ensure compliance with health and safety standards, assisting waterworks in returning to compliance when violations occur, training operators on the operation and maintenance of waterworks, and providing the public with information on drinking water quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry, and math
• Knowledge of technology associated with provision of drinking water
• Proven experience in expressing facts clearly, verbally and in writing, and to present at public meetings
• Proven experience effectively communicating technical information with others and to prepare thorough and accurate reports and documentation of regulatory activities
• Experience in analyzing information and data and making recommendations for corrective actions and compliance
• Proven experience with interpreting complex federal, state and local laws, policies, regulations, and technical documents
• A valid State Driver’s License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency

Additional Considerations

• Licensure as a Waterworks Operator by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Experience in the provision of drinking water and related activities in the areas of enforcement and compliance

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

Contact Information

Name: Kimberlyn Stewart

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.