Environmental Protection Specialist

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Environmental Services Administration. The mission of DOEE is to protect and restore the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation's capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other district agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices. This Environmental Protection Specialist position resides in the Air Quality Permitting Branch, Air Quality Division, Department of Energy & Environment, and works under the general supervision of the Branch Chief.This position will be supporting the Air Quality Division's permitting program by evaluating various types of air quality permit applications and preparing associated air quality permits and approvals, with associated technical support documents. The incumbent will primarily process low to moderate complexity minor source and synthetic minor permits, with the potential to also process occasional less-complex Title V major source permits. Another primary duty will be to implement program data management, permit application intake, and fee billing processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides assistance in planning, developing, preparing, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and similar quality control measures relating to specific environmental disciplines. May provide assistance in designing and implementing sampling and analysis plans; collects and analyzes environmental data and information; and creates and maintains databases and records relating to findings, conclusions, and decisions. Provides assistance in preparing and reviewing policy recommendations and technical proposals on environmental and natural resources issues that are unusually controversial, precedent setting, or very costly. Provides evaluation of findings to determine the existence and extent of environmental hazards. Assists in developing and revising plans and control techniques to deal with environmental hazards. Reviews trade journals, news releases, technical reports, and District and federal legislations, regulations, and guidance documents for developments that might affect regulatory, compliance assistance, enforcement, and public outreach and education programs.

Provides assistance in drafting of environmental policies, regulations, guidelines, procedures, and forms. Reviews applications for various approvals and permits, including plans, permits, registrations, certifications, and licenses, and determines whether to approve or deny the same, in accordance with established scientific and regulatory standards, criteria, and procedures. Provides assistance in planning, developing, and implementing an inspectional, sampling, investigatory, and enforcement program relating to specialized scientific and technical practices relating to one of the above environmental programs to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of pollution. Prepares inspectional and investigatory reports from facts and information gathered during field inspections and records review, and maintains database of findings, conclusions, and decisions. Reviews and provides advice on site assessments and corrective action plans for contaminated sites, including review and approval of sampling and analysis plans, site investigations, feasibility studies, removal and remedial actions, monitoring plans, records of decision, clearance reports, operation and maintenance plans, and institutional controls to address indoor and ambient air quality, soils, surface water, groundwater, and sediment quality. Identifies deficiencies in information or interpretation, and seeks additional information, clarification, and corrections from responsible parties or their consultants.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience : Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

Must have a valid driver's license.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting and field environment.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Hours may vary)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0028-11

Promotion Potential : No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment : 13-Month Term Appointment

Collective Bargaining: This position is covered in a collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2725, and union dues may be collected.

Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.