Environmental Specialist Senior - Public Water

DHRM•Culpeper, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter (continuous renewal). Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds. Under Section 32.1-167-176 of the Code of Virginia and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is mandated to establish and enforce safe drinking water regulations. These functions are of critical importance to sustaining a program of inspections to ensure continued compliance with state and federal regulations. The Environmental Specialist Sr for Public Water Works position provides technical assistance to primarily groundwater waterworks. Core responsibilities include conducting inspections and sanitary surveys of groundwater source waterworks, interpreting applicable federal and state regulations for waterworks owners and operators, offering guidance to help ensure compliance with health and safety standards, assisting waterworks in returning to compliance when violations occur, training operators on the operation and maintenance of waterworks, and providing the public with information on drinking water quality. This is a public-facing position that conducts routine waterworks surveillance activities required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and VDH Waterworks Regulations. The position performs compliance and enforcement functions required by EPA to maintain primacy for the drinking water program in Virginia and receive related federal grant monies. The Goal of the Virginia Department of Health is to become the healthiest state in the nation. This position will support the VDH Goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation by continuing to support and improve the health of all Virginians through efficient and effective execution of operations and delivery of services, performing work based on assigned duties and performance measures.

Requirements

Working knowledge of biology, microbiology, chemistry, and math
Knowledge of technology associated with provision of drinking water
Ability to express facts clearly, verbally and in writing, and to present at public meetings
Ability to effectively communicate technical information with others and to prepare thorough and accurate reports and documentation of regulatory activities
Ability to analyze information and data and to make recommendations for corrective actions and compliance
Ability to interpret complex federal, state and local laws, policies, regulations, and technical documents
A valid State Driver’s License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Nice To Haves

Licensure as a Waterworks Operator by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Experience in the provision of drinking water and related activities in the areas of enforcement and compliance

Responsibilities

Conducting inspections and sanitary surveys of groundwater source waterworks.
Interpreting applicable federal and state regulations for waterworks owners and operators.
Offering guidance to help ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Assisting waterworks in returning to compliance when violations occur.
Training operators on the operation and maintenance of waterworks.
Providing the public with information on drinking water quality.
Conducting routine waterworks surveillance activities required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and VDH Waterworks Regulations.
Performing compliance and enforcement functions required by EPA to maintain primacy for the drinking water program in Virginia and receive related federal grant monies.