Environmental Specialist

Environmental Monitoring Specialist

This position is designated as safety-sensitive. As such, a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening are mandatory. The incumbent will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of employment.

Performs environmental monitoring duties; monitors and samples various streams, ditches, creeks and lakes for water quality, identifies and investigates illegal or unusual discharges, reports all findings and observations and takes corrective actions as necessary. Implements a public education program that informs government staff, watershed stakeholders and the general public on water resource protection, stormwater and other water-related issues. Performs stormwater monitoring and construction site inspection duties; monitors and samples stormwater discharges during both wet and dry weather conditions, reports all findings and observations, and takes corrective actions as necessary.

Implements a public education program by conducting presentations, organizing workshops and other outreach activities. Also develops and distributes environmental, stormwater, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) educational materials to meet the needs of the Department of Water Resources.

Schedules and assists in conducting weekly inspections of streams and lakes by walking through creeks and streams that feed into any major body of water; prepares reports of findings and takes corrective actions if problems are identified. Collects samples of the water; marks and labels each sample for time, location, and parameters measured at collection event. Analyzes data trends to determine areas in need of additional pollution tracking and reduction measures. Informs Environmental Monitoring Coordinator of issues.

Conducts flow monitoring and quantitative streambank erosion calculations at long-term monitoring stations. Samples, post signs, and reports all wastewater spills and overflows according to City of Gainesville protocol and current GA EPD regulations.

May represent Environmental Services and the Department of Water Resources in various stakeholder meetings and regulatory discussions. Implements modern methods in regards to stream and lake monitoring and data interpretation. Researches local waterways and Lake Lanier water chemistry to better understand environmental changes.

Answers and inspects complaints of illegal discharges into streams and lakes; writes reports on findings; forwards the results to Environmental Monitoring Coordinator. Checks areas of construction for erosion problems, including proper use of silt fences and other erosion control measures. Coordinate and assist in inspecting stormwater ponds and outfalls, completes inspection forms and generates reports for MS4/stormwater permit compliance.

Coordinates annual MS4 pollution prevention/good housekeeping trainings with multiple City departments. Assists with Gainesville's annual Rivers Alive Cleanup. Performs simple preventive maintenance on City vehicles or boats; assists with general custodial duties as needed around facility.

May instruct other employees by assisting with specialized on-the-job training, planning/scheduling work, and/or reviewing assignments. May conduct stream surveys for aquatic organisms according to stream aquatic organism techniques; prepares reports of water quality based upon survey results. Assists the Water Conservation Program as needed. May be called upon to provide supervision to an intern. Works with various City departments on a case by case scenario when dealing with environmental situations. Performs other related duties as required. Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field. Two years experience in environmental and/or stormwater monitoring or related field. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Geographic Information System (GIS) Certification Preferred Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification Level 1A or ability to obtain within 1 year Stormwater Inspector Certification Preferred Valid Class C Drivers License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book). Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures. Knowledge of aquatic organism taxonomy and interpretation. Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply it to water and wastewater sample collection. Knowledge in social media for outreach and communication. Knowledge of non-point source pollution and the effects within local watersheds. Knowledge in the use of technical devices pertinent to the position. Experience in public speaking. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of geography. Ability to read and interpret maps. Ability to effectively supervise other employees. Ability to work outside in adverse weather and remote locations. Ability to train and schedule work for a small specialized staff. Ability to use specialized equipment necessary for aquatic organism monitoring. Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.