Environmental Specialist II - Sanitation Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas•Maryland Heights, MO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under minimum supervision, performs moderately complex environmental work. Inspects and investigates facilities, sites or incidents to determine compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Works in the field and is responsible for making decisions requiring technical acumen, sound judgement, and familiarity with a broad variety of problems. The Environmental Specialist II inspects, investigates, evaluates, and determines City of Dallas’ compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and standards. Performs regular inspections, responds to spills, collects and documents environmental samples (water, soil, sludge), participates in continuous education, and performs reporting and coordination for the Environmental Compliance Committee, assisting with permit requirements for the municipal water, storm, sewer, and other regulatory programs.

Requirements

High School or GED.
Three (3) years of hands-on experience in performing environmental inspections, handling hazardous materials, performing chemical analysis in waste management, spill response or soil/water/air/groundwater sample collection for environmental compliance.
An associate degree in chemistry, engineering, environmental or physical sciences and one (1) year of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
A bachelor's degree (or higher) in chemistry, environmental, or life sciences field will meet the education and experience requirements.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Must pass background investigation.
No Felony convictions.
Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any Felony, Class A or Class B Misdemeanor.
Advanced knowledge of environmental compliance regulations, such as The Clean Water Act (CWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Knowledge of environmental procedures and inspection tactics, such as RG-416 Surface Water Monitoring Procedures (Bio Program) and RG-415 TCEQ Surface WQ Monitoring Procedures (Physical & Chemical Monitoring).
Advanced knowledge of environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations, such as Texas Water Quality Standards.
Ability to perform professional inspections and document non-compliant findings.
Ability to review data and draft communications in a comprehensive manner.
Skill in following through and ensuring resolutions are achieved.
Ability to transfer knowledge, train and educate other specialists.
Advanced skills in Power BI, GIS, and Excel.
Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

A forty (40)-hour HAZWOPER certification must be obtained within the probationary period for all spill response divisions.
For Stormwater Neighborhood division, a Certified Environmental Storm Water Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification and a Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period
For Water Quality division, Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required and a Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period.
OSHA 30-hour Safety Certification is preferred.
Certified Inspector of Sediments and Erosion Control (CISEC) and Qualified Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS) certifications are preferred.
Experience with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is preferred.
Experience with inspecting storm sewer/drainage structures (e.g., MS4, outfalls, storm sewer pipe, inlets, wing walls, culverts, junctions, etc.) may be preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides mid-level expertise on complex environmental evaluations, inspections, and reviews city services and utilities; investigates complaints, performs regular inspections, and files compliance reports for environmental agencies.
Monitors and provides knowledge-based expertise for cleaning spills and other potentially hazardous situations; ensures spills are cleaned appropriately and completely, investigates causes of spills and determines future preventability, reviews incident reports and documents.
Inspects public and private sites/facilities for environmental compliance; reviews waste storage areas, water facilities, stormwater management tactics, and other water activities; observes and identifies issues that need to be addressed and communicates issues and concerns; participates in mitigation and completion of identified issues.
Prepares and files extensive reports on inspection activities and findings; documents areas of non-compliance; ensures relevant parties are aware of issues and have comprehensive data to make informed decisions.
Applies environmental policies, rules, regulations, and standards to meet and exceed city expectations; provides training and continuous education to other employees to ensure all inspection and compliance activities are completed efficiently.
Responds to 24-hour emergency service requests, and documents emergency response investigations.
Supports the Environmental Specialist III in leading investigations with other city departments and government agencies. Prepares reports and coordinates with the Environmental Compliance Committee, including results from routine investigations, spill responses, sampling, and other records.
Performs other work as needed or assigned.
Respond to hazardous and non-hazardous spills (leachate, hydraulic fluid, fuel, chemicals); contain and remediate per EPA, OSHA, and TCEQ regulations
Coordinate field response: isolate areas, secure equipment, establish controls and signage
Manage spill response materials and inventory; conduct monthly inspections and restock proactively
Complete incident documentation, waste manifests, and regulatory notifications within required timeframes
Lead post-incident debriefs and root cause analysis; train field personnel on spill recognition, containment, and PPE
Support compliance objectives including stormwater prevention, air quality monitoring, and waste characterization
Interface with operations during site visits; provide spill history and corrective action documentation as requested