Environmental Specialist Sr - Public Water Systems

DHRM; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Health seeks an Environmental Specialist Sr for Public Water Systems in Lexington. The role focuses on inspecting groundwater waterworks, interpreting regulations, and guiding compliance efforts to protect drinking water quality.

Responsibilities include training operators, advising on corrective actions, and communicating regulatory information to stakeholders. Position funded for 12 months with potential extension based on funds.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry, and math.
• Knowledge of technology related to drinking water provision.
• Proven ability to express facts clearly, verbally and in writing, and to present at public meetings.
• Proven ability to communicate technical information and prepare regulatory reports.
• Experience analyzing information and recommending corrective actions.
• Experience interpreting complex federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Valid State Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Biology knowledge

Microbiology knowledge

Chemistry knowledge

Math skills

Drinking water tech

Communication skills

Public speaking

Regulatory analysis

Data interpretation

Driver's license

Education

Waterworks Operator Licensure (DPR)

State driver’s license (no, already listed as skill)

Job description

Title: Environmental Specialist Sr - Public Water Systems

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

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

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: DRINKING WATER-LEXINGTON

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/

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. This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for 12-month period ending June 30th, 2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

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

Special Instructions

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.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Daniel Baker

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. 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.