Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

The Environmental Specialist supports the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff by promoting safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible learning and working environments across the school system.

The position provides technical expertise and guidance related to environmental health, indoor air quality, hazardous materials, environmental compliance, and other conditions that may affect school facilities and occupants. Responsibilities include conducting assessments and investigations, identifying potential environmental concerns, recommending corrective actions, and coordinating with schools, facilities staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to address issues effectively. The Environmental Specialist also develops and supports environmental health programs, procedures, training, and communication to promote consistent practices and regulatory compliance throughout the school system. Through proactive monitoring, education, and problem-solving, the position helps minimize environmental risks and supports well-maintained, healthy, and sustainable schools.

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety Health or related field.

Certification/Licensure:

• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspector License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Project Designer License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

Experience:

• Five years of experience performing environmental and/or industrial hygiene assessment such as asbestos surveys, water sampling, or mold and moisture intrusion assessments. Education requirements may be met by substituting experience for education on a year-for-year basis (up to four years).

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don't meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety Health or related field.
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Supervisor License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Planner License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Water Sampler Certification issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Three (3) years experience in scheduling, coordinating and inspecting maintenance or construction work projects/activities preferred.
• One (1) year previous experience and general knowledge of HVAC Systems.

Essential Position Responsibilities

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Conducts environmental assessments, inspections, and investigations of school buildings and grounds to identify conditions that may affect the health, safety, or well-being of students and staff, including indoor air quality, moisture, mold, hazardous materials, and other environmental concerns.
• Implements and monitors HCPSS environmental management programs, including asbestos, lead, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, water quality, and other applicable environmental programs, in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Coordinates environmental sampling, monitoring, testing, and abatement activities; reviews laboratory results, contractor documentation, and field data; and documents findings and required corrective actions.
• Conducts compliance inspections and audits; maintains required environmental records and documentation; and assists with ensuring HCPSS facilities and operations comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, Maryland, and local environmental requirements.
• Provides technical guidance and consultation to school administrators, Building Maintenance, Office of School Planning and Construction, Risk Management, contractors, and other stakeholders regarding environmental hazards, regulatory requirements, and corrective actions.
• Develops technical reports, procedures, training materials, presentations, and other communications related to environmental health and safety programs; provides training to HCPSS staff as needed.
• Responds to environmental emergencies and urgent concerns; assists with incident investigations, risk assessments, contractor coordination, and other environmental projects or assignments as directed.

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and experience with building investigations & inspections.
• Knowledge of procedures and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials

Skills

• Demonstrated skill to effectively listen and communicate with the public, PTO groups, etc.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, blueprints, schematic drawings, or sketches to determine location, size, capacity, and type of component or unit.
• Ability to wear appropriate respiratory protection.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.

Additional Requirements

Working Environment

• Job requires responding to environmental emergencies.
• Sampling of hazardous materials and responding to environmental emergencies may require PPE.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to access roofs, crawlspaces, evaluate malodors, and work in hot and humid conditions.
• Job requires the use of tools and equipment that could exceed 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and climbing on hands and knees.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Licensure

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Working Hours

• The duty day for this position is 35 hours including a one hour duty-free lunch.
• This position will be required to respond to emergencies after-hours, weekends, and holidays.