Environmental Technician

The City of Athens is hiring an Environmental Technician. The Environmental Technician serves as the City’s coordinator for City programs related to the protection of the environment, including laboratory testing for drinking water and sewer collection, surface water protection, fats, oil and grease monitoring and shade tree protection. This is a full-time position. Interested candidates can apply on-line. A Civil Service Exam will be held on Friday, July 24th, 2026, at 10 AM. The exam location is the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

Classification Title:    Environmental Technician                        Bargaining Unit:    Non-Union

Division/Dept.:           Engineering/Public Works                            FLSA Status:           Non-Exempt     

Reports to:                     Director, Engineering/Public Works        Pay Grade:              6                       

JOB SUMMARY:

The Environmental Technician serves as the City’s coordinator for City programs related to the protection of the environment, including laboratory testing for drinking water and sewer collection, surface water protection, fats, oil and grease monitoring and shade tree protection. 

This position assists with the implementation and management of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and will serve as the Coordinator and Inspector for the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, Industrial Pretreatment and Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) program, and train to be certified and perform testing in the City’s certified water and wastewater laboratory, and serve as the coordinator for the city’s shade tree canopy.  This position is in the classified service of the City, requires a 60 to 180 day probationary period, and is covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

JOB DUTIES:

1. Serve as Administrator of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit in accordance with Ohio EPA regulations.
2. Perform water and wastewater laboratory testing.
3. Oversee and update storm system maps with GIS system.
4. Prepare required Annual MS4 Report.
5. May assist in the non-industrial wastewater treatment plant biosolids program and aid the Wastewater Plant Manager with refinement and implementation of biosolids disposal program; including land application. Serve as coordinator to identify application sites, develop methods, and acquire permitting.
6. Oversee and implement an Industrial Pretreatment and Fats, oil, and Grease (FOG) program.
7. Prepare reports and maintain records.
8. Communicates with citizens, landowners, and contractors related to environmental programs.
9. Attend staff meetings, landowner, developer, and pre-construction meetings, as required.
10. Reviews plans and specifications to assure compliance with regulations.
11. Establish criteria for projects and assess the effectiveness of public education and outreach programs.
12. Analyze public and private utility systems to determine location, capacity, condition, and compliance with standards without existing information.
13. Oversee stormwater NPDES program development, implementation, and reporting with only periodic review.
14. Maintain and foster community relationships.
15. Prepare and develop detailed technical records and reports utilized to prepare mandatory regulatory reports and programs
16. Assist in the development of storm water, industrial pretreatment and biosolids policy and provide recommendation for legislation that controls City wide administration. Must be able to evaluate and recommend applicability and legality of policies.
17. Coordinate public tree care activities within the City of Athens including landscaping on new developments, removals/plantings in the city rights of way and parks and working with utility companies on tree maintenance projects.
18. Serves as a shade tree liaison between the city departments, city residents and the Shade Tree Commission.
19. Coordinates Arbor Day activities and the city’s annual Tree City USA program.
20. Conducts hazard tree assessments and trains staff in proper tree care techniques.
21. Assumes other responsibilities and performs other related duties as needed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicant must possess or must be able to:

1. An associate’s degree in conservation, natural resources, engineering, or other related field or an Ohio Certified Water or Wastewater Operator License or an accreditation or in-training as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), are preferred
2. Two years’ experience in an environmental or conservation field is preferred
3. Ability to meet the attendance requirements of the position.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
5. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
6. Computer skills including extensive ability with Microsoft Office suite; GIS software skill preferred.
7. Knowledge of applicable training methods and safety procedures.
8. Good organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills.
9. Maybe required to obtain and maintain a valid Ohio Commercial Driver’s License within a specified period time, depending upon vehicle operation requirements.
10. Must have an excellent driving record.
11. Obtain confined space entry supervisor training within one year of date of hire.
12. Obtain a certification in the City’s Laboratory to analyze drinking water samples within 12 months of employment date (or date of promotion).
13. Demonstrate proficiency in wastewater testing within 24 months of employment date (or date of promotion).
14. Ability to obtain annual certification(s) through the Ohio Water Environmental Association.

The City of Athens, OH, is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The City may consider other equivalent combinations of training and experience which provides the requirement knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

A background check and post-offer medical exam are required.

New hires are required to be certified in First Aid and CPR, no later than the date of the next available class. 

Those certified in First Aid/CPR and those assigned to the sewer maintenance crew are considered occupationally-at-risk for bloodborne pathogens.

Salary : $25 - $27