Environmental Specialist I (Dallas Water Utilities - Civil Service)

City of Dallas•Dallas, TX

15d•$22 - $25

About The Position

Under supervision, the Environmental Specialist I performs routine environmental work, including field inspections and investigations of facilities and construction sites, sample collection and documentation, and assistance with more complex inspections or investigations to assess compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and permits. The role evaluates and investigates the City of Dallas’ environmental compliance, conducts routine inspections, responds to spills, collects water, soil, and sludge samples, participates in ongoing training, and documents findings. The position reviews City services and utilities, investigates complaints, prepares compliance reports, and coordinates with the Environmental Compliance Committee on permit requirements for the municipal storm sewer system and other regulatory programs. It inspects city facilities and environmental practices, monitors incidents and corrective actions, and participates in 24-hour emergency response. Environmental sampling duties include following chain-of-custody procedures, preserving sample integrity, recording field results, and preparing samples for laboratory analysis. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and one year of relevant environmental inspection, hazardous materials, chemical analysis, spill response, or environmental sample-collection experience. An associate’s degree or higher in engineering, environmental science, or physical sciences can meet the education and experience requirements. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. Additional certifications depend on the division, and a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification must be obtained during the probationary period for employees in spill response divisions. The role may involve exposure to biohazardous materials, hazardous chemicals, inclement weather, and confined spaces.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience in environmental inspections, hazardous materials handling, chemical analysis in waste management, spill response, or environmental compliance sample collection from soil, water, air, or groundwater.
An associate’s degree or higher in engineering, environmental sciences, or physical sciences may meet the education and experience requirements.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must have no felony convictions and cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor.
Must be available to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and be subject to 24-hour call-out.
Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Knowledge of environmental procedures and inspection tactics, including RG-416 Surface Water Monitoring Procedures (Bio Program) and RG-415 TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures (Physical & Chemical Monitoring).
Knowledge of environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations, including Texas Water Quality Standards.
Ability to perform inspections, document findings, compile relevant data, communicate findings comprehensively, manage results, and ensure issues are resolved.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Skills in Power BI, GIS, and Excel, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
A 40-hour HAZWOPER certification must be obtained within the probationary period for spill response divisions.
For the Stormwater Neighborhood division, a Certified Environmental Storm Water Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification and Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period.
For the Water Quality division, a Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is required, and a Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period.

Nice To Haves

OSHA 30-hour Safety Certification (DWU).
Certified Inspector of Sediments and Erosion Control (CISEC) and Qualified Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS) certifications (DWU).
Experience with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (DWU).

Responsibilities

Conduct general environmental evaluations and inspections and review City of Dallas services and utilities.
Investigate complaints and prepare compliance reports for environmental agencies.
Coordinate with the Environmental Compliance Committee and assist with permit requirements for the municipal storm sewer system and other regulatory programs.
Monitor spills and other potentially hazardous incidents, ensure appropriate cleanup, assist in investigating causes and preventability, and file incident reports and related documentation.
Inspect city facilities for environmental compliance, including waste storage areas, water facilities, stormwater management practices, and other water activities.
Identify and escalate environmental concerns and monitor completion of corrective actions.
Study and apply environmental policies, rules, regulations, and standards, and participate in training to support accurate and efficient inspections and compliance activities.
Participate in 24-hour emergency response service requests and document emergency response investigations.
Collect environmental samples, including grab samples; follow chain-of-custody procedures; preserve sample integrity; record field results; and prepare samples for laboratory analysis.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.