Description
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the City Engineer, this position is responsible for assigned Environmental programs, which may include stormwater management, surface water pollution control, water conservation, cross connection control, groundwater management, liquid waste handling, and fats, oils and grease (FOG) management. The Environmental Specialist performs compliance inspections, monitors activities and provide environmental project support to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local environmental and stormwater regulations. This role also provides community outreach and educational presentations, distributes informational materials on environmental topics and serves as a technical resource to City staff, developers, contractors and the public. The Environmental specialist supports regulatory compliance efforts through inspections, investigations, documentation and coordination related to stormwater, surface water quality and related environmental programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain records for commercial and industrial wastewater pretreatment and disposal facilities to ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines, and oversee administration of the City’s Industrial Pretreatment Program.
Investigate, document, and respond to environmental complaints, violations, and incidents, including hazardous materials releases, chemical spills, illegal discharges or dumping, sewer backups, pool discharges, air quality concerns, and pollutants entering the stormwater or sanitary sewer system.
Coordinate with Public Works and Utilities staff to assess sewer system conditions, identify sources of inflow and infiltration, and document sewer-related environmental impacts.
Administer and maintain compliance with the MS4 Permit, including maintaining the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) and preparing required regulatory submittals to TCEQ.
Conduct illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) investigations, including field inspections, sampling, documentation, data analysis, and issuance of Notices of Violation or enforcement actions, as warranted.
As requested or as needed, conduct stormwater and environmental inspections of construction and post-construction sites to verify compliance with stormwater permits, approved plans, and best management practices (BMPs); verify installation, operation, and maintenance of permanent BMPs and maintain required compliance records.
Prepare inspection reports, incident documentation, enforcement records, and correspondence; analyze data, recommend corrective actions, and coordinate enforcement activities with Code Enforcement, as needed.
Review pre-construction and post-construction plans, SWPPPs, pretreatment permits, and other environmental permit submittals to ensure compliance with wastewater, stormwater, drainage, and environmental regulations, ordinances, and City standards.
Attend development meetings and coordinate with internal departments regarding environmental, stormwater, and wastewater requirements for development and redevelopment projects.
Perform required calculations and utilize approved systems to document inspections, investigations, sampling results, and compliance activities; maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records.
Review City facilities, operations, and procedures for compliance with environmental permits and regulations; advise departments on deficiencies and support implementation of corrective actions.
Collaborate with department supervisors to prepare and review regulatory reports related to wastewater, stormwater, drainage, and mosquito control programs.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable environmental regulations, pretreatment requirements, MS4 permit conditions, and City Development Code provisions; identify and address regulatory conflicts and compliance risks.
Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to map stormwater infrastructure, sewer assets, discharge locations, sampling points, and environmental incidents to support analysis and regulatory reporting.
Record and track inspections, investigations, responses, and compliance activities in the City’s work order, asset management, and environmental tracking systems.
Recommend and draft updates to environmental, stormwater, and wastewater policies and procedures to align with regulatory changes and best practices; advise management on regulatory impacts, environmental risks, and project-specific compliance considerations.
Provide education, outreach, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance to residents, businesses, contractors, and City personnel regarding wastewater, stormwater, and environmental compliance requirements and pollution prevention practices.
Attend and as assigned, present at board, commission, committee, and City Council meetings.
Participate in approved local and regional training, conferences, and meetings to remain current on legislative, regulatory, and technical developments related to assigned programs.
Assist with emergency response activities, including sanitary sewer overflows, hazardous materials incidents, and weather-related environmental events, as directed.
Maintain regular and timely attendance and interact professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
Perform other related duties and special projects assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities but may direct the work of other support staff.
QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, or related field; plus, two (2) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Preferred: Possession of TCEQ Customer Service Inspections Certification.
Possession of TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester License.
TCEQ Class C Water Distribution Operator License.
TCEQ Class II Wastewater Collection Operator License.
EPA NPDES Construction Inspection Certification
Certified Stormwater Inspector (CSI) or similar professional certification.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management and public groups.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
SPECIALIZED KSA’S
Working knowledge of personal computer word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. Demonstrated knowledge of environmental laws and regulations. Demonstrated knowledge of municipal water supply and distribution systems; their maintenance; and interpretation of engineering plans and drawings. Demonstrated knowledge of wastewater collection systems and storm water collection systems. Keyboarding skills required. Use of water sample kits for chemical analysis.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.
DISCLAIMER
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer to meet organizational needs and job requirements.
