Environment Specialist

Posting Notice: Erie County offers a generous fringe benefit package including: low-cost medical, dental, and vision; 14 paid holidays; up to 11 combined personal and vacation days in the first 12 months of employment; free parking.

Definition of Class

• This is professional work in the field of environmental protection.
• An employee in this class independently performs standard inspections, investigations and surveys or special staff assignments of equivalent scope and complexity in the on-lot sewage and wastewater programs. Assignments normally require the understanding, interpretation and application of well-established rules, regulations, criteria and guidelines. The employee is expected to complete assignments within the bounds of these criteria and guidelines and for making technical recommendations where applicable.
• Supervision is received from management staff who provide instructions and assistance on work and unique situations. Work is reviewed upon completion for compliance with Department policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts inspections and investigations in sewage treatment facilities, industrial waste treatment facilities, storm water facilities, municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), on-lot sewage systems and small flow treatment facilities (SFTFs) to determine if they are being operated according to permit conditions.
• Approve or deny permit applications; review subdivisions and planning modules within specified time limits.
• Conducts work in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
• Investigates complaints related to on-lot sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, or small flow treatment facilities.
• Implement the requirements of the Department's Small Flow Treatment Facility Oversight Program and inspect Small Flow Treatment Facilities.
• Conduct joint inspections and investigations in programs such as retail food safety, water quality, solid waste, public drinking water, vector control, sewage and industrial waste treatment and disposal, storm water, public schools, public bathing places, campgrounds, manufactured home parks and body art establishments.
• Collect samples of raw and treated wastewater for chemical and bacteriological analysis
• Reviews and approves construction/renovations plans, specifications and the operation of regulated systems.
• Travel to inspection locations or trainings independently
• Prepares environmental reports and gives public presentations.
• Responds to requests for environmental assessments and assists in disease investigations.
• Conducts or assists with appropriate enforcement actions for violations of environmental laws and regulations.
• Participates in department-wide quality improvement projects and committees.
• Attends meetings with local environmental groups and other community partners.
• Assists in the training of other environmental staff as needed.
• Performs other related work as required.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics.
• Knowledge of the basic methods and techniques used in gathering and analyzing data.
• Ability to learn the operation of technical and analytical equipment used in the environmental programs.
• Ability to gather and interpret data, conduct technical inspections and surveys and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to learn and interpret federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to learn and recognize hazardous environmental conditions.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form.
• Knowledge of computers and software related to word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
• Ability to secure and analyze facts and to conduct inspections/investigations of environmental conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates; government, professional and nonprofessional groups; and the public.
• Ability to read topographical maps, soil maps, and plot plans.
• Sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and/or under adverse environmental conditions.
• Walking to the site of the system—through brush, tall grass, mud, etc.
• Carrying necessary equipment—sample bottles, coolers (filled with ice), drills, reaching poles, etc.
• Lifting lids of sewage tanks (large, concrete lids ~50 lbs each) There could be 4 lids on one system.
• Accurately preparing the samples for mailing, documentation and record-keeping of inspection reports.
• Ability to travel to inspection locations or trainings independently.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Soil Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field

Conditions Of Employment

• Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance, including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History Background Check including finger printing.
• Possession of a valid PA driver's license and access to a vehicle on a daily basis are necessary for this position.
• Must be certified as a sewage enforcement officer by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, OR be able to pass the Sewage Enforcement Officer certification exam and any prerequisites within one year of hire.
• Must maintain the certified sewage enforcement officer designation, including attending required continuing education courses and technical training, throughout employment in this role