Environmental Specialist 1

SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY • Conroe, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist 1 assists in performing a wide variety of initiatives associated with sampling, monitoring, and analyzing water in Lake Conroe and throughout SJRA's raw water systems, to identify trends and develop management strategies to help protect water quality. This role frequently works in the field and outside to perform duties and regularly coordinates and communicates with other departments to ensure efficient and effective execution of all work activities.

Requirements

• At least 2 years practical experience in lake, reservoir, river water and/or drinking water quality sampling, testing and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to obtain licenses/certifications within 6 months of holding the position (or as soon as reasonably practicable).
• Texas Driver's License with Insurable driving record required.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in either Natural science, Water Resources, Engineering or related technical field is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Motor Boat Operator Certification preferred.
• OSSF Designated Representative preferred.
• TCEQ Class D Water Operator preferred.
• TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operator preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists in coordination with the HGAC to ensure compliance of the Clean Rivers Program (CRP); collects water samples from Lake Conroe and other participating divisions, data entry, and data quality control to ensure compliance with CRP standards; calibrates and maintains sampling equipment on a regular basis to ensure accuracy.
• Performs minor analysis of water samples with in-house lab equipment, coordinates with the offsite lab's analysis, tests, and results of parameters; provides timely reports of all results to supporting division management.
• Assists in administering SJRA's Native Plant Restoration Program in close collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by developing planting plans; inventorying and maintaining plant stock, maintaining raceways including managing weeds, mowing grass, and controlling water levels; constructs and maintains fish exclosure cages in the lake to protect planted species from predation by grass carp.
• Assists in the field work for the division’s Zebra Mussel Monitoring program. This may include but is not limited to inspection, construction and deployment of field monitoring devices, and microscopic larvae sampling.
• Assists in implementing water quality initiatives identified in SJRA's Lake Conroe Watershed Protection Plan including, but not limited to, the Storm Water Inlet Marking Program, facilitating site tours, and attending environmental fairs and related public outreach events.
• Assists operations and maintenance personnel with residential and commercial dock verifications, managing invasive species on the lake, reading, monitoring, and recording piezometers and collaborating with Dam Safety Engineers as required, maintaining demarcation buoy, and assisting with maintenance of the Bear Branch Reservoir System.
• Assist in conducting invasive plant surveys of the lake.
• Assists more senior level Environmental Specialists in conducting installation inspections, maintenance verifications, complaint investigations, and follow up inspections of Onsite Sanitary Sewage Facilities (OSSFs) within SJRA's area of jurisdiction in strict compliance with approved Order, established SJRA policies and procedures, and all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Encourages use of best management practices and assists in enforcing Storm Water Pollution Prevention Permit requirements around Lake Conroe to help mitigate the deposition of silt and other pollutants into Lake Conroe. Tasks may include, but will not be limited to, construction site inspections including detailed documentation, follow up correspondence with developers, residents and regulatory agencies all the way through resolution of the issue impacting the Lake.
• Collaborates with the Operations and Maintenance group regarding the timely maintenance and/or repair of the Lake Conroe and Bear Branch facilities and systems. These duties may include but are not limited to mowing and weed eating, spraying herbicide or insecticide, maintenance of the spillway and service outlet gates, operating equipment such as tractors and boats, and equipment maintenance.
• Uses the Enterprise Asset Management System (EAM) to track and record work and properly document, organize, and file correspondence, reports and records related to maintenance activities within the system.
• Follows safety regulations, policies, principles, and procedures.
• Utilizes all appropriate personal protective equipment.
• This position is classified as a safety sensitive position. The individual holding this position is subject to random, unannounced drug and alcohol testing.
• This position is classified as primary essential personnel. The individual holding this position will be required to work as usual or as needed (1) during an emergency event, (2) in preparation for an emergency event,and/or (3) during recovery from an emergency event as directed by their direct supervisor, appropriate Department/Division Manager, the appropriate Senior Level Manager, or the General Manager.

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings Plan in which SJRA contributes 8% automatically and matches up to an additional 4% of the employee's contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree