Environmental Programs Specialist I/II

City of Escondido•Escondido, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision (Environmental Programs Specialist I) or general direction (Environmental Programs Specialist II), administers the City’s storm water program and other related environmental programs or projects through the development and facilitation of various activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public, as well as provides responsible and moderately complex (Environmental Programs Specialist I) or specialized and complex (Environmental Programs Specialist II) professional staff assistance to the Environmental Programs Supervisor and Utility Manager. The Environmental Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position with less program knowledge and independence than the II level. The Environmental Programs Specialist II is a full journey-level position requiring independent work and advanced knowledge. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed, with advancement typically from I to II.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental sciences, engineering, planning, public administration, or a related field.
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Ability to read, write and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Administrative experience related to environmental science, physical science, engineering, or storm water management is highly desirable (for Specialist I).
NPDES permit compliance, or other environmental compliance programs is highly desirable (for Specialist I).
Three years (full-time equivalent) of experience in environmental science, environmental planning, civil or environmental engineering, or related field (for Specialist II).
Administrative experience related to storm water management or other water quality programs, including water and wastewater; national, state, or regional resource agency permitting and compliance; land development; pollution prevention; or other environmental or natural resource management programs is highly desirable (for Specialist II).

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes and participates in the permitting, monitoring, inspection, enforcement, pollution prevention, and data management activities of the Storm Water Program and other related environmental programs or projects as assigned in accordance with federal, state and local laws and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
Coordinates and participates in the investigation of storm water runoff, industrial related storm water quality problems, as well as complaints and violations of storm water regulations and codes.
Prepares outreach materials, conducts outreach efforts and trains City staff on storm water and environmental protection provides information to property and business owners, tenants, City employees, and the general public through individual contact in the field, over the counter, at workshops or community events, and by telephone or other appropriate means.
Coordinates with other City departments to improve levels of compliance with the NPDES permit; coordinates with and provides information and technical assistance to other departments, agencies, and organizations related to environmental programs.
Prepares notices of violation and compliance schedules in cooperation with violators; prepares and maintains records of investigations and actions taken.
Coordinates and implements the City’s annual dry weather monitoring program in compliance with its NPDES Storm Water Discharge permit.
Reviews construction plans to identify storm water discharge sources and best management practices (structural and non-structural) to maximize storm water and water quality protection.
Evaluates and interprets technical reports, documents, manifests, applications and permits related to environmental regulations and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Maintains inspection files, records, and logs; writes reports and chronologies; schedules work activities and inspections independently to meet program objectives in a timely manner; maintains records and prepares reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; maintains and updates various databases and filing and record keeping systems for assigned program; participates in researching and collecting data and information for inclusion into database and record keeping systems; conducts surveys; analyzes and interprets data collected; prepares reports and distributes requested information to appropriate parties in a timely manner including reports to regulatory agencies.
Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and other program requirements for education, inspections, complaint response, watershed activities, water quality monitoring, annual report writing, inter-departmental training and coordination.
Coordinates actions and/or programs with other agencies, e.g., other cities, the county and state departments, such as coordinating regional inspections, education, or enforcement measures; represents the City at regional meetings; serves as liaison and provides support to assigned program activities with those of other City departments and staff as well as community organizations, the general public, and other groups.
Develops, writes, and maintains a variety of reports, documents, correspondence and records related to areas of assigned responsibility; prepares and writes compliance reports and associated correspondence to regulatory agencies.
Researches availability of grant monies for projects related to the department’s responsibilities, as well as writes and administers successful applications.
Provides training, direction and guidance for City staff as directed by the Environmental Programs Supervisor and Utility Environmental Programs Manager.
Provides responsible professional level staff assistance and technical and administrative support to the Environmental Programs Supervisor and Utility Environmental Programs Manager and other management staff, as well as boards and committees; researches, prepares, and presents technical, fiscal, and administrative studies, surveys, and reports.
Conducts and represents the City at various meetings and makes presentations to public interest groups, City personnel and others as directed.
Keeps current with federal, state and local regulations and their impacts on the City’s storm water and environmental quality and protection.
Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.
Performs related duties as required.