Environmental Specialist I or II

Muscatine Power and Water•Muscatine, IA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Job Purpose Support the environmental affairs of the Utility to ensure proactive ongoing compliance with environmental regulations, laws and permits. Gather, process, analyze and report accurate environmental data. Assure the safe and effective handling and/or disposal of hazardous wastes and toxic materials. Assist with analysis of regulations and Develop policies, procedures and strategies to support compliance. Collaborate with and assist other MPW personnel in these activities as needed. Act as backup for other Department personnel as assigned. Primary Duties Ensure ongoing proactive compliance of Utility operations with applicable environmental regulations, laws and permits. This includes: Collecting and preparing accurate environmental compliance data and reports. Maintaining accurate, well-organized records; and providing quality checks on recordkeeping and data collection. M aintaining current knowledge of environmental regulations and laws pertaining to Utility activities. Aiding the preparation and timely submission of permit applications, permit amendments, compliance plans, and environmental reports to appropriate regulatory agencies. Submitting accurate and timely routine reports to regulatory agencies using required reporting software. Assuring compliance with the handling and disposal of waste, including but not limited to hazardous waste, asbestos and PCB materials. Support Utility cross-departmental cooperation and education surrounding environmental, regulatory analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives, including: Assist with review and analysis of proposed changes to environmental regulations to determine the impact on MPW operations, preparing recommendations for compliance strategies; and effectively communicating information in written/verbal formats to affected departments and senior management. Assisting with representation of the Utility on environmental matters before governmental agencies and public bodies, trade association, industry groups, and stakeholder meetings, etc., as assigned. Assist with developing and maintaining a culture of compliance and continuous improvement within the department. Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department. Identify, recommend, and/or support process and operational improvements to maintain ongoing compliance. Coordinate stack testing activities with other departments, escorting stack testing crews if needed, and monitoring stack testing activities. Timely assessment, investigation, evaluation, and reporting of concerns regarding environmental compliance activities, including identifying deficiencies and follow-up actions to address improvements. Assist in department budget preparations. Serve as advisor to the plan-designated Site Coordinator for hazardous waste spill response, oil spill response, highly hazardous chemical spill response, and for non-hazardous spill response may serve as responder as applicable per the site-specific plans. Analyze situations and submit timely spill reports to federal and state agencies when required for compliance. Ability to serve as "Radiation Safety Officer" (RSO) per MPW's nuclear materials license from the Iowa Department of Public Health (at least one person in the Department is required to be the qualified RSO for the Utility). Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, engineering, or equivalent science-based degree required.
An equivalent combination of education and professional experience in regulatory compliance air quality monitoring, water sampling, hazardous waste management under RCRA, solid waste management and Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) landfills, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) materials compliance, and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) compliance,may be considered.
Environmental Specialist I (ES-I) is an entry-level professional position; Environmental Specialist II (ES-II) requires a minimum of 3 years working with environmental regulations, issues, and agencies in an industrial setting.
Three (3) years of fossil fuel fired power plant or related experience is preferred.
ES-I: A science-based bachelor's degree, demonstrated analytical and writing skills, and willingness to learn on-the-job is required.
Laboratory or field experience is preferred.
ES-II: In addition to three years of hands-on environmental experience as described above, fossil fuel power plant experience is preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
Project management skills.
Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel at an intermediate level and be proficient in the use of databases.
Good judgment and reasoning skills.
Problem identification, analysis, and solving.
Ability to work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
Ability to think strategically but also focus on tactical and operational issues.
Ability to drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
Ability to read and interpret technical material.
Ability to work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must be able to attend work on a regular basis and work extended hours as needed.
Must maintain a method of communication in order to be contacted by MP&W outside normal work hours.
Must be able to comply with the Respiratory Protection Program.
Must be able to travel for work.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 3 years of water sampling experience and/or continuous emission monitor data acquisition and handling system (DAHS) software operation is preferred.
Previous experience preferred with: Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM) Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS) software, including daily, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual QA/QC activities, and quarterly Electronic Data Report (EDR) generation, in coordination with instrument technicians who perform CEMS installation, operation and maintenance.
EPA-supplied emission reporting software, including the installation of quarterly software updates, submitting quarterly EDRs and other updates, and responding to feedback reports
Certified in, or the ability to become certified in, Visible Emission Observation (VEO) monitoring in accordance with EPA Method 9 and/or Method 22.
Qualified as, or the ability to become qualified as, a Radiation Safety Officer as needed.
Competency in support and operation of data collection systems, electronic filing programs used by regulatory agencies, and management of electronic records.

Responsibilities

Ensure ongoing proactive compliance of Utility operations with applicable environmental regulations, laws and permits.
Collecting and preparing accurate environmental compliance data and reports.
Maintaining accurate, well-organized records; and providing quality checks on recordkeeping and data collection.
Maintaining current knowledge of environmental regulations and laws pertaining to Utility activities.
Aiding the preparation and timely submission of permit applications, permit amendments, compliance plans, and environmental reports to appropriate regulatory agencies.
Submitting accurate and timely routine reports to regulatory agencies using required reporting software.
Assuring compliance with the handling and disposal of waste, including but not limited to hazardous waste, asbestos and PCB materials.
Support Utility cross-departmental cooperation and education surrounding environmental, regulatory analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
Assist with review and analysis of proposed changes to environmental regulations to determine the impact on MPW operations, preparing recommendations for compliance strategies; and effectively communicating information in written/verbal formats to affected departments and senior management.
Assisting with representation of the Utility on environmental matters before governmental agencies and public bodies, trade association, industry groups, and stakeholder meetings, etc., as assigned.
Assist with developing and maintaining a culture of compliance and continuous improvement within the department.
Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department.
Identify, recommend, and/or support process and operational improvements to maintain ongoing compliance.
Coordinate stack testing activities with other departments, escorting stack testing crews if needed, and monitoring stack testing activities.
Timely assessment, investigation, evaluation, and reporting of concerns regarding environmental compliance activities, including identifying deficiencies and follow-up actions to address improvements.
Assist in department budget preparations.
Serve as advisor to the plan-designated Site Coordinator for hazardous waste spill response, oil spill response, highly hazardous chemical spill response, and for non-hazardous spill response may serve as responder as applicable per the site-specific plans.
Analyze situations and submit timely spill reports to federal and state agencies when required for compliance.
Ability to serve as "Radiation Safety Officer" (RSO) per MPW's nuclear materials license from the Iowa Department of Public Health (at least one person in the Department is required to be the qualified RSO for the Utility).
Other duties as assigned.