Environmental Compliance Specialist

Summary

Under general supervision, the Environmental Compliance Specialist performs routine investigations and inspections, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Performs stormwater inspections of industrial and commercial facilities to verify compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations such as TCEQ TPDES permits and Garland's Stormwater Ordinance.

• Conducts enforcement actions against regulated facilities, prepares documentation and affidavits, and represents the City in court cases and hearings when necessary.

• Issues citations or suspend operations of regulated businesses based on failure to comply with ordinances.

• Responds to on-call emergencies related to illicit discharges and hazardous material spills.

• Inspects, investigates, and eliminates illicit connections and discharges to Garland's MS4 system and to watercourses within Garland.

• Performs Dry and Wet Weather Screening activities to ascertain levels of environmental materials or contamination present.

• Walks and kayaks miles of creeks and lake banks to conduct illicit discharge and illicit connection investigations and to inspect outfalls.

• Responds to and investigates complaints related to stormwater violations and homeless encampments.

• Interprets environmental laws and regulations for contractors, public and private officials, and the general public.

• Participates in community outreach and professional educational events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree that included 30 semester hours or its equivalent in a basic or applied science.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science (preferred), biological sciences, microbiology, chemistry, physical sciences, environmental engineering, or related fields. Additional coursework in communication skills is highly desirable.

• 1-year environmental compliance experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to apply policy and procedures in decision making.

• Exhibits excellent and professional customer service skills.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

• Ability to communicate in all forms and formats.

• Ability to solve problems.

• Ability to perform established testing procedures for water sample analysis and use sampling and testing equipment. Skill in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Licenses and Certifications

• A Texas Class C driver's license.

• Stormwater Qualified Person Certification or ability to obtain it within 6 months of hire.

• HAZWOPER 24 Certification or the ability to obtain it within 1 month of hire.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The incumbent works primarily in an outdoor environment and occasionally in a standard office setting indoors. Frequent exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards to include mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, materials and fumes. The employee will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as human waste, needles, syringes, and drugs and drug paraphernalia. Physical tasks may include walking on uneven and unpaved surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling, obtaining samples, setting up equipment and the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds.