Environmental Specialist III - Office of Environmental Quality (Non-Civil Service)

City of Dallas•Dallas, TX

6d•$25 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist III performs complex environmental work under minimal to no supervision. The role independently inspects and investigates public and private facilities, indoor and outdoor sites, and incidents to determine compliance with environmental laws, regulations, standards, and permits. It requires technical discretion, sound judgment, and specialized environmental knowledge. The position conducts environmental evaluations and water-quality monitoring, collects and preserves samples for laboratory analysis, reviews permits and compliance records, and prepares detailed, data-driven reports. It supports spill response and hazardous-waste operations, including waste-yard inspections, waste disposal, and delivery of spill-remediation supplies. The specialist also provides training, supports audits and interdepartmental investigations, assists with water-quality programs and Environmental Compliance Committee reports, and responds to 24-hour emergency service requests. Work may involve exposure to biohazardous materials, hazardous chemicals, inclement weather, and confined spaces.

Requirements

Five years of hands-on experience in environmental inspections, hazardous-material handling, chemical analysis in waste management, spill response, or soil, water, air, or groundwater sample collection.
High school diploma or GED with coursework in sciences, chemistry, or biology; stated degree-and-experience equivalencies also apply.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.
A 40-hour HAZWOPER certification is required for all spill-response divisions.
For Stormwater Neighborhood and Water Reservoir divisions, Registered Environmental Manager (REM) certification is required.
For the Stormwater Neighborhood division, Certified Environmental Storm Water Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification and a Boater Certificate are required.
For the Water Quality division, a Boater Certificate and a Class D or higher Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are required.
Thorough knowledge of environmental compliance regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Thorough knowledge of environmental procedures and inspection methods, including RG-416 Surface Water Monitoring Procedures and RG-415 TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures.
Expert knowledge of environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations, including Texas Water Quality Standards.
Expertise in conducting professional inspections and documenting noncompliance findings.
Ability to resolve findings and ensure issues are closed.
Skill in developing training materials and educating specialists and citizens.
Ability to engage and follow up to ensure environmental standards are achieved.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced skills in Power BI, GIS, and Excel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must pass a background investigation; 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.

Nice To Haves

OSHA 30-hour Safety Certificate.
Experience with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems certified programs.
Experience maintaining or using Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Experience inspecting storm sewer and drainage structures, such as MS4s, outfalls, storm sewer pipes, inlets, wing walls, culverts, and junctions.
For certain divisions, experience with Stormwater Permits, including Construction General Permit TXR150000 and Multi Sector General Permit TXR050000, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).

Responsibilities

Travel throughout Dallas to inspect and evaluate public and private facilities, conduct complex environmental evaluations, review city services and utilities, investigate complaints, and file compliance reports for environmental agencies.
Conduct water-quality monitoring and sampling; collect grab samples, preserve sample integrity, record field results, and prepare samples for laboratory analysis.
Oversee and monitor cleanup of spills and other potentially hazardous situations affecting the MS4; investigate incident causes and ensure appropriate cleanup and incident reporting.
Inspect indoor and outdoor facilities and review waste storage areas, workplace chemical lists, water facilities, SCBA equipment, stormwater management, permits, and other water activities; identify issues and follow through on their resolution.
Prepare and file detailed reports on inspections, service requests, and spill response; document noncompliance, make recommendations, notify relevant parties, and follow up on compliance investigations.
Track and maintain inventory of environmental spill-response supplies.
Apply and enforce environmental policies, rules, regulations, and standards; train and educate employees on inspection and compliance activities.
Respond to 24-hour emergency service requests and assist with reports for Environmental Compliance Committee meetings.
Review industry permits and regulations and monitor compliance with permitting standards.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for a waste storage facility; support generation and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste accumulated by Dallas Fire & Rescue and the Stormwater Compliance response team.
Perform daily operations and required inspections of the Stormwater Compliance Waste Yard.
Deliver environmental spill-remediation supplies to Dallas Fire & Rescue fire stations.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.