Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialist

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing a GEMS program at the VA Hospital 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.
• Manages 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.).
• Conducts internal gap analyses of GEMS. Issues reports of gap analyses and tracks status of corrective and preventive actions. Reviews implementation of GEMS policy and procedures and reports the status to the Safety & Occupational Health Manager. Discusses deficiencies and necessary remedial action with appropriate VAMC staff, including top management.
• Develops, implements, and maintains effective programs for the identification, collection and disposal of hazardous wastes. Ensures that handling of all waste streams are in compliance with federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations.
• Advises management on how environmental policies, procedures and systems will affect the operation of the hospital.
• Reviews 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.
• Measures the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommends to the Safety & Occupational Health Manager modifications to existing programs as needed to meet changing environmental requirements.
• Serves as an expert on issues related to environmental statutes.
• Participates 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.
• Provides technical expertise for the design, modification, operation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Evaluates and implements pollution prevention alternatives to reduce the generation of waste.
• Manages response to environmental emergencies including releases/spills of hazardous materials.
• Coordinates response to VA and external environmental audits, surveys, inspections, etc.
• Develops promotional and educational activities to promote stakeholder awareness of the Medical Center's environmental issues.
• Facilitates the exchange of environmental information to staff, including the development and implementation of training and educational programs related to environmental programs.
• Manages computer programs and databases to enhance management of environmental programs.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am-4:30pm

Telework: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Environmental Protection Specialist / PD91808-0

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required