Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialist

The listed duties below reflect the full performance level for this position. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing a GEMS program at the VA Healthcare System and coordinating the efforts of staff involved with GEMS to ensure that the GEMS is developed and implemented in accordance with VHA policy and guidance.
• Managing environmental programs such as (SPCC Plan, Storm Water Plan, P2 Plan, clean air and clean water, safe drinking water, asbestos and lead management and abatement, mercury reduction, etc.).
• Conducting internal gap analyses of GEMS. Issues reports of gap analyses and tracks the status of corrective and preventive actions. Reviews implementation of GEMS policy and procedures and reports on the status to the Chief, Facilities Management. Discusses deficiencies and necessary remedial action with appropriate VAMC staff, including top management.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining effective programs for the identification, collection, and disposal of hazardous waste. Ensuring that handling of all waste streams complies with federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations.
• Advising management on how environmental policies, procedures, and systems will affect the operation of the hospital.
• Reviewing how expansion, modification, closures of existing facilities and infrastructure, and new construction of structures and infrastructure will affect the environment and provides information that will minimize adverse impacts to human health and the environment and reduce facility vulnerability.
• Measuring the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommending to the Chief, Facilities Management, modifications to existing programs as needed to meet changing environmental requirements.
• Serving as an expert on issues related to environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Superfund, National Environmental Policy Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, etc.
• Participating in planning, organizing, implementing, and providing technical assistance for projects to resolve environmental problems. Assignments include, but are not limited to, industrial wastewater treatment and disposal; safe drinking water; treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste; release of hazardous material/spill response; air pollution control; environmental media permitting; toxic substances; and regulatory oversight.
• Providing technical expertise for the design, modification, operation, and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Evaluating and implementing pollution prevention alternatives to reduce the generation of waste. Managing response to environmental emergencies, including releases/spills of hazardous materials.
• Coordinating response to VA and external environmental audits, surveys, inspections, etc.
• Developing promotional and educational activities to promote stakeholder awareness of the Medical Center's environmental issues.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Environmental Protection Specialist/ PD931720 and PD932900

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized